Eleodes acuta
This record describes Eleodes acuta (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The gender of Eleodes is feminine , so adjectivic species names end -is or -a, not -um.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Blaptinae
- Tribe
- Amphidorini
- Genus
- Eleodes (Desert Stink Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Great Plains (SD-WY to s. TX) - Map (Blaisdell 1909)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eleodes acuta (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eleodes acuta. 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 Eleodes acuta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Eleodes acuta
What is Eleodes acuta?
Eleodes acuta is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eleodes acuta?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | Length, 28-35 mm; width, 13-15 mm. |
| Females | Length, 30-33 mm; width, 13.5-16.2 mm (Blaisdell 1909) |
Where is Eleodes acuta found?
Range: Great Plains (SD-WY to s. TX) - Map (Blaisdell 1909)