Dicaelus crenatus
This record describes Dicaelus crenatus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
last key couplet: Elytral intervals smooth, without small setigerous punctures bearing short hairs, striae with relatively large punctures, pronotum either not beaded laterally, or beaded in apical ~1/3 Type Locality: Louisiana
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Licinini
- Genus
- Dicaelus (Notched-mouth Ground Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sc US (TX-MS-MO-KS) - Map , most records from ec.TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dicaelus crenatus LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dicaelus crenatus. 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 Dicaelus crenatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dicaelus crenatus
What is Dicaelus crenatus?
Dicaelus crenatus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dicaelus crenatus?
13‒18 mm
How do you identify Dicaelus crenatus?
last key couplet: Elytral intervals smooth, without small setigerous punctures bearing short hairs, striae with relatively large punctures, pronotum either not beaded laterally, or beaded in apical ~1/3
Where is Dicaelus crenatus found?
Range: sc US (TX-MS-MO-KS) - Map , most records from ec.TX