ColeopteraElateridae – Click Beetles

Danosoma obtectum

This record describes Danosoma obtectum (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Danosoma obtectum - Danosoma obtectum
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by nebbeetle , v belov

Danosoma is neuter, so the correct combination is D. obtectum . uncommon

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Elateroidea
Family
Elateridae (Click Beetles)
Subfamily
Agrypninae
Tribe
Agrypnini
Genus
Danosoma

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

NS-YT to GA-MO-WY

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Danosoma obtectum (Say 1839)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Danosoma obtectum. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Danosoma obtectum (5)

Danosoma obtectum - photo 1
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by nebbeetle , v belov
Danosoma obtectum - photo 2
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by nebbeetle , v belov
Danosoma obtectum - photo 3
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by nebbeetle , v belov
Danosoma obtectum - photo 4
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by nebbeetle , v belov
Danosoma obtectum - photo 5
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by nebbeetle , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by nebbeetle , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Danosoma obtectum

What is Danosoma obtectum?

Danosoma obtectum is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Danosoma obtectum?

15-17 mm

Where is Danosoma obtectum found?

Range: NS-YT to GA-MO-WY

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by nebbeetle , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.