Golden Net-winged Beetle
Dictyoptera coccinata
This record describes Dictyoptera coccinata (species). Recorded family: Lycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black venter, black spot on pronotal disc, black scutellum. ―Joe Cicero, 16.v.2013
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lycidae (Net-winged Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Erotinae
- Genus
- Dictyoptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coniferous/mixed forests, in decaying logs; adults on and under bark of decaying stumps and on tree trunks; also on flowers
Geographic Range
most of NA (AK‒LB to AZ‒TX‒FL) but absent in the Great Plains
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dictyoptera coccinata (Say 1835)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dictyoptera coccinata. 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 Golden Net-winged Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Matt Bertone , margarethe brummermann , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Net-winged Beetle
What is Golden Net-winged Beetle?
Golden Net-winged Beetle (Dictyoptera coccinata) is a species in the family Lycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Golden Net-winged Beetle?
6.5‒11.0 mm
How do you identify Golden Net-winged Beetle?
Black venter, black spot on pronotal disc, black scutellum. ―Joe Cicero, 16.v.2013
Where is Golden Net-winged Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coniferous/mixed forests, in decaying logs; adults on and under bark of decaying stumps and on tree trunks; also on flowers |
| Range | most of NA (AK‒LB to AZ‒TX‒FL) but absent in the Great Plains |