ColeopteraScarabaeidae – Scarab Beetles

Haroldiataenius convexus

This record describes Haroldiataenius convexus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Haroldiataenius convexus - Haroldiataenius convexus
Contributed by Mike Quinn

Clypeal anterior margin angulate each side of median emargination. Elytral intervals strongly convex on disc. Body dark reddish brown. among the most commonly coll'ed beetle spp. (via pitfall traps) at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Rio Hondo, Cameron Co., TX

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Scarabaeoidea
Family
Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
Subfamily
Aphodiinae
Tribe
Eupariini
Genus
Haroldiataenius

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Specimens found in asso. w/ wood rats (probably Neotoma micropus micropus Baird), armadillo burrows (Cartwright 1974), and ebony litter. (Stebnicka and Skelley 2009)

Geographic Range

only known from a few localities along the s. TX coastal plain - Map Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Hidalgo, Rio Hondo and San Diego, TX

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Haroldiataenius convexus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Haroldiataenius convexus (2)

Haroldiataenius convexus - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Haroldiataenius convexus - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Haroldiataenius convexus

What is Haroldiataenius convexus?

Haroldiataenius convexus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Haroldiataenius convexus?

Length 3.2-4.2 mm

How do you identify Haroldiataenius convexus?

Clypeal anterior margin angulate each side of median emargination. Elytral intervals strongly convex on disc. Body dark reddish brown.

Where is Haroldiataenius convexus found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatSpecimens found in asso. w/ wood rats (probably Neotoma micropus micropus Baird), armadillo burrows (Cartwright 1974), and ebony litter. (Stebnicka and Skelley 2009)
Rangeonly known from a few localities along the s. TX coastal plain - Map Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Hidalgo, Rio Hondo and San Diego, TX

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.