Elonus basalis
This record describes Elonus basalis (species). Recorded family: Aderidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinct from other nearctic species with orange elytral marks by its elongate antenna (antennomeres 4–9 twice as long as wide), the unusually long male genitalia, and a post-median elytral stripe of whitish pubescence, distinct under side lighting in both sexes, even in old specimens common at lights
Wikipedia reference for Elonus basalis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elonus_basalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Aderidae (Ant-like Leaf Beetles)
- Tribe
- Aderini
- Genus
- Elonus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA (QC-FL to ON-MN-TX) - Map (GBIF)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Elonus basalis (LeConte 1855)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Elonus basalis. 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 Elonus basalis (7)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher | (c) John and Kendra Abbott, all rights reserved, uploaded by John and Kendra Abbott | (c) Jason M Crockwell, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by Jason M Crockwell | (c) sdrov, all rights reserved, uploaded by sdrov | Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Elonus basalis
What is Elonus basalis?
Elonus basalis is a species in the family Aderidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Elonus basalis?
2.8-3.0 mm
How do you identify Elonus basalis?
Distinct from other nearctic species with orange elytral marks by its elongate antenna (antennomeres 4–9 twice as long as wide), the unusually long male genitalia, and a post-median elytral stripe of whitish pubescence, distinct under side lighting in both sexes, even in old specimens
Where is Elonus basalis found?
Range: e NA (QC-FL to ON-MN-TX) - Map (GBIF)