Dicaelus teter
This record describes Dicaelus teter (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Lateral extension of right mandible combined with carinate elytra and lack of tubercle on left mandible distinguish this species.
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
Habitat
Has been found in damp shady ravines.
Geographic Range
Eastern U.S. and southern Canada. State/Province Records: CAN: ON, QC USA: AL, CT, DC, GA, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dicaelus teter. 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 teter (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Dicaelus teter
What is Dicaelus teter?
Dicaelus teter is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dicaelus teter?
14 to 22 mm
How do you identify Dicaelus teter?
Lateral extension of right mandible combined with carinate elytra and lack of tubercle on left mandible distinguish this species.
Where is Dicaelus teter found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Has been found in damp shady ravines. |
| Range | Eastern U.S. and southern Canada. State/Province Records: CAN: ON, QC USA: AL, CT, DC, GA, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV |