Idaho Ice Cave Beetle
Glacicavicola bathyscioides
This record describes Glacicavicola bathyscioides (species). Recorded family: Leiodidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the most modified cave-adapted beetle in NA
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Leiodidae (Round Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Catopocerinae
- Genus
- Glacicavicola
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
ice caves
Geographic Range
ID-WY
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Glacicavicola bathysciodes Westcott 1968
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Glacicavicola bathyscioides. 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 Idaho Ice Cave Beetle (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Acmaeodera , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho Ice Cave Beetle
What is Idaho Ice Cave Beetle?
Idaho Ice Cave Beetle (Glacicavicola bathyscioides) is a species in the family Leiodidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Idaho Ice Cave Beetle?
the most modified cave-adapted beetle in NA
Where is Idaho Ice Cave Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | ice caves |
| Range | ID-WY |