Dicaelus dilatatus
This record describes Dicaelus dilatatus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
robust, dull black, elytra deeply striated, humeral carina extends for ~1/3 length of elytra; 2 pairs of lateral pronotal setae
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
e.US: D. d. dilatatus ME‒FL‒TX, D. d. sinuatus w.PA‒se.IA to TN‒sw.NC
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒Nov in SC ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dicaelus dilatatus Say 1823
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dicaelus dilatatus. 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 dilatatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Peter Messer , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dicaelus dilatatus
What is Dicaelus dilatatus?
Dicaelus dilatatus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dicaelus dilatatus?
18‒27 mm
How do you identify Dicaelus dilatatus?
robust, dull black, elytra deeply striated, humeral carina extends for ~1/3 length of elytra; 2 pairs of lateral pronotal setae
Where is Dicaelus dilatatus found?
Range: e.US: D. d. dilatatus ME‒FL‒TX, D. d. sinuatus w.PA‒se.IA to TN‒sw.NC
When is Dicaelus dilatatus active?
Dicaelus dilatatus: seasonal activity - Mar‒Nov in SC ( 3 ).