Dicaelus sculptilis
This record describes Dicaelus sculptilis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Elytral sculpture distinctive
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
Rocky Mtn. States to ne. US - Map , mostly Rocky Mtn and Plains states, rare in the south
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dicaelus sculptilis Say 1823
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dicaelus sculptilis. 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 sculptilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dicaelus sculptilis
How big is Dicaelus sculptilis?
14-26 mm
How do you identify Dicaelus sculptilis?
Elytral sculpture distinctive
Where is Dicaelus sculptilis found?
Range: Rocky Mtn. States to ne. US - Map , mostly Rocky Mtn and Plains states, rare in the south