Geomysaprinus formicus
This record describes Geomysaprinus formicus (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
ID of these spmns are tentative
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Saprininae
- Tribe
- Euspilotini
- Genus
- Geomysaprinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TX-LA / Mex. (Range of host, Atta texana : TX-LA in the US - USDA Forest Service)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Probably a predator
Life History
This histerid beetle is commonly found in Atta texana detritus cavities. It has been seen following foraging trails of A. texana in Louisiana. Worker ants on the trail ignored the beetle. An Atta worker carried an adult Geomysaprinus from the nest. Workers excavate dirt from mounds in October and November, but this rarely includes detritus and any associates. When a beetle was dropped on a previously removed refuse pile, the beetle immediately revived and ran off.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Geomysaprinus formicus. 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 Geomysaprinus formicus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Geomysaprinus formicus
How big is Geomysaprinus formicus?
4.4 mm (BG data)
How do you identify Geomysaprinus formicus?
ID of these spmns are tentative
Where is Geomysaprinus formicus found?
Range: TX-LA / Mex. (Range of host, Atta texana : TX-LA in the US - USDA Forest Service)
What does Geomysaprinus formicus eat?
The diet of the Geomysaprinus formicus includes Probably a predator.
What is the life cycle of a Geomysaprinus formicus?
This histerid beetle is commonly found in Atta texana detritus cavities. It has been seen following foraging trails of A. texana in Louisiana. Worker ants on the trail ignored the beetle. An Atta worker carried an adult Geomysaprinus from the nest. Workers excavate dirt from mounds in October and November, but this rarely includes detritus and any associates. When a beetle was dropped on a previously removed refuse pile, the beetle immediately revived and ran off.