Dicaelus politus
This record describes Dicaelus politus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
among Dicaelus , this one most resembles Pterostichus, is smallest (<15 mm), shiniest, and lacking humeral carina
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.NA (QC‒GA to ON‒IA‒MS)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dicaelus politus Dejean, 1826
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dicaelus politus. 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 politus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov , Thrasher
Frequently Asked Questions About Dicaelus politus
What is Dicaelus politus?
Dicaelus politus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Dicaelus politus?
among Dicaelus , this one most resembles Pterostichus, is smallest (<15 mm), shiniest, and lacking humeral carina
Where is Dicaelus politus found?
Range: e.NA (QC‒GA to ON‒IA‒MS)