Euspilotus assimilis
This record describes Euspilotus assimilis (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Differs from other congeners in the presence of a shallow impression in the anterior angles of the pronotum and a marginal sulcus on the pygidium (interrupted at the middle in the male) One of the commonest eastern histerids
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Saprininae
- Tribe
- Euspilotini
- Genus
- Euspilotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wide variety of habitats (forests, grasslands, urban and agricultural lands); one of the most typical carrion-dwelling histerids in the east. Sometimes in dung
Geographic Range
eastern North America (ON-MB to FL-TX)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Euspilotus assimilis ( Paykull 1811)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Euspilotus assimilis. 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 Euspilotus assimilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Euspilotus assimilis
What is Euspilotus assimilis?
Euspilotus assimilis is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Euspilotus assimilis?
3.5-5.5 mm
How do you identify Euspilotus assimilis?
Differs from other congeners in the presence of a shallow impression in the anterior angles of the pronotum and a marginal sulcus on the pygidium (interrupted at the middle in the male)
Where is Euspilotus assimilis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Wide variety of habitats (forests, grasslands, urban and agricultural lands); one of the most typical carrion-dwelling histerids in the east. Sometimes in dung |
| Range | eastern North America (ON-MB to FL-TX) |