Dalopius cognatus-group
This record describes Dalopius cognatus-group (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Brown's 1934 group of Dalopius based on: -phallobase of male genitalia as long as, or longer than, median lobe. -elytral apices truncated -color usually red-brown to dark-brown with pale humeral maculae. -distributed in Eastern North America. The current species (as of March, 2014) include: Dalopius allegheniensis Knull, 1947 Dalopius cognatus Brown, 1934 Dalopius vagus Brown, 1934 Dalopius virginicus Brown, 1934 comments by BAM, March 2, 2014: 1) looking at original illustrations of genitalia in Brown and Knull, D. allegheniensis should probably end up being synonymized with D. cognatus if a formal revision is ever done. 2) I am currently describing a fifth species from Mississippi. This page on BugGuide was created for images of Dalopius that could not be further identified to the species level because voucher specimens were not obtained or specimens were females without male associations.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Elaterinae
- Tribe
- Agriotini
- Genus
- Dalopius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern North America.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dalopius cognatus-group. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Dalopius cognatus-group (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison
Frequently Asked Questions About Dalopius cognatus-group
What is Dalopius cognatus-group?
Dalopius cognatus-group is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Dalopius cognatus-group?
Brown's 1934 group of Dalopius based on: -phallobase of male genitalia as long as, or longer than, median lobe. -elytral apices truncated -color usually red-brown to dark-brown with pale humeral maculae. -distributed in Eastern North America. The current species (as of March, 2014) include: Dalopius allegheniensis Knull, 1947 Dalopius cognatus Brown, 1934 Dalopius vagus Brown, 1934 Dalopius virginicus Brown, 1934 comments by BAM, March 2, 2014: 1) looking at original illustrations of genitalia in Brown and Knull, D. allegheniensis should probably end up being synonymized with D. cognatus if a formal revision is ever done. 2) I am currently describing a fifth species from Mississippi.
Where is Dalopius cognatus-group found?
Range: Eastern North America.