Diclidia laetula
This record describes Diclidia laetula (species). Recorded family: Scraptiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
body testaceous, typically with infuscate sub-scutellar cloud, median and subapical bands, infuscate regions variable, bands sometimes separated into maculae and suture sometimes infuscate, some individuals unicolorous, testaceous typical and reduced patterns common at lights
Wikipedia reference for Diclidia laetula: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diclidia_laetula.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Scraptiidae (False Flower Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Anaspidinae
- Tribe
- Pentariini
- Genus
- Diclidia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TX-OK, CO - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , most records from TX
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Jun ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Diclidia laetula (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diclidia laetula. 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 Diclidia laetula (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Diclidia laetula
What is Diclidia laetula?
Diclidia laetula is a species in the family Scraptiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Diclidia laetula?
body testaceous, typically with infuscate sub-scutellar cloud, median and subapical bands, infuscate regions variable, bands sometimes separated into maculae and suture sometimes infuscate, some individuals unicolorous, testaceous typical and reduced patterns
Where is Diclidia laetula found?
Range: TX-OK, CO - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , most records from TX
When is Diclidia laetula active?
Diclidia laetula: seasonal activity - Apr-Jun ( 6 ).