Graphoderus occidentalis
This record describes Graphoderus occidentalis (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Diagnostic characters include: posterior black fascia of pronotum contiguous with hind margin and anterior black fascia of pronotum contiguous with anterior margin. The male mesotarsus is also not dilated (widened) in this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dytiscinae
- Tribe
- Aciliini
- Genus
- Graphoderus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Graphoderus occidentalis Horn 1883
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Graphoderus occidentalis. 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 Graphoderus occidentalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov