Haideoporus texanus
This record describes Haideoporus texanus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Artesian well at the Aquatic Station, Texas State University, San Marcos, Hays County, Texas. Texas considers this a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) This is the 1st blind, depigmented, aquifer-adapted Dytiscidae described from North America. Spmns were captured by placing a 500 μ mesh nylon net over the discharge from the flowing artesian well at the Aquatic Station, Texas State University (formerly the Federal Fish Hatchery at San Marcos). The well was drilled in 1895 and the source of water is a 1.5-m cavern at the depth of 59.5 meters.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydroporinae
- Tribe
- Hydroporini
- Genus
- Haideoporus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
var. karst features
Geographic Range
springs in Comal and Hays counties, Texas
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Haideoporus texanus Young & Longley
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Haideoporus texanus. 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 Haideoporus texanus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Haideoporus texanus
What is Haideoporus texanus?
Haideoporus texanus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Haideoporus texanus?
Length = 3.4 to 3.8 mm
Where is Haideoporus texanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | var. karst features |
| Range | springs in Comal and Hays counties, Texas |