Discoderus discoderoides
This record describes Discoderus discoderoides (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type locality: Esperanza Ranch, near Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas. ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Harpalini
- Genus
- Discoderus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se.AZ, TX (scattered records) / Mex.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Discoderus discoderoides (Schaeffer, 1910) moved from genus Selenophorus by Messer & Raber.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Discoderus discoderoides. 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 Discoderus discoderoides (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Peter Messer
Frequently Asked Questions About Discoderus discoderoides
What is Discoderus discoderoides?
Discoderus discoderoides is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Discoderus discoderoides?
6.5-7 mm (Schaeffer, 1910)
Where is Discoderus discoderoides found?
Range: se.AZ, TX (scattered records) / Mex.