Hemicrepidius decoloratus
This record describes Hemicrepidius decoloratus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is most-similar to H. hemipodus but can usually be separated by having pale elytra. Melanic forms can be very difficult to separate from H. hemipodus without microscopic examination. In late 2020, this species was elevated from synonomy with H. hemipodus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dendrometrinae
- Tribe
- Dendrometrini
- Genus
- Hemicrepidius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Northeastern North America
Seasonal Activity
June-July (BG data)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hemicrepidius decoloratus. 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 Hemicrepidius decoloratus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Russell Rogers
Frequently Asked Questions About Hemicrepidius decoloratus
What is Hemicrepidius decoloratus?
Hemicrepidius decoloratus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hemicrepidius decoloratus?
9.0-15.0 mm
How do you identify Hemicrepidius decoloratus?
This species is most-similar to H. hemipodus but can usually be separated by having pale elytra. Melanic forms can be very difficult to separate from H. hemipodus without microscopic examination.
Where is Hemicrepidius decoloratus found?
Range: Northeastern North America
When is Hemicrepidius decoloratus active?
Hemicrepidius decoloratus: seasonal activity - June-July (BG data).