Haroldiataenius griffini
This record describes Haroldiataenius griffini (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. P. Skelley, 2008 Type Locality: San Patricio County, near junction of Texas Highway 9 and U.S. 77.
Identification notes
Det. P. Skelley, 2008
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
Cartwright examined 16 specimens found in an unknown animal burrow (probably armadillo) and under cow dung. Others were associated with sandy soils and Atta texana leafcutter ant nests. (One spmn coll'ed by Wm. Godwin at Welder Wildlife Refuge by sifting the top 3 cm of an Atta texana nest.) The only conclusion on the habits of H. griffini is that it appears to prefer sandy soils.
Geographic Range
endemic to coastal s. TX, known from Kenedy and San Patricio counties.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Haroldiataenius griffini. 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 Haroldiataenius griffini (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Maury Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Haroldiataenius griffini
What is Haroldiataenius griffini?
Haroldiataenius griffini is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Haroldiataenius griffini?
Det. P. Skelley, 2008
Where is Haroldiataenius griffini found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Cartwright examined 16 specimens found in an unknown animal burrow (probably armadillo) and under cow dung. Others were associated with sandy soils and Atta texana leafcutter ant nests. (One spmn coll'ed by Wm. Godwin at Welder Wildlife Refuge by sifting the top 3 cm of an Atta texana nest.) The only conclusion on the habits of H. griffini is that it appears to prefer sandy soils. |
| Range | endemic to coastal s. TX, known from Kenedy and San Patricio counties. |