Elacatis senecionis
This record describes Elacatis senecionis (species). Recorded family: Salpingidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
known from San Diego Co., CA and Hidalgo and La Salle counties, TX; also known from Baja (D. Pollock, 2016)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Salpingidae (Narrow-waisted Bark Beetles)
- Genus
- Elacatis (False Tiger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
extreme s.CA‒s.TX; widespread in Mexico and probably further south
Diet and Behavior
Life History
found in withered stems of Senecio (Asteraceae) and on cactus flowers
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Elacatis senecionis (Champion 1888)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Elacatis senecionis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elacatis senecionis
What is Elacatis senecionis?
Elacatis senecionis is a species in the family Salpingidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Elacatis senecionis?
4.0–5.8 mm
Where is Elacatis senecionis found?
Range: extreme s.CA‒s.TX; widespread in Mexico and probably further south
What is the life cycle of a Elacatis senecionis?
found in withered stems of Senecio (Asteraceae) and on cactus flowers