Hemipeplus microphthalmus
This record describes Hemipeplus microphthalmus (species). Recorded family: Mycteridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The only species in our area not associated with palmetto ( 3 )
Wikipedia reference for Hemipeplus microphthalmus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemipeplus_microphthalmus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Mycteridae (Palm and Flower Beetles)
- Genus
- Hemipeplus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
associated with Andropogon and other grasses, living between the appressed leaf bases and stem
Geographic Range
SC‒FL‒TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Gut contents primarily fungal hyphae & spores
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hemipeplus microphthalmus (Schwarz 1878)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hemipeplus microphthalmus. 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 Hemipeplus microphthalmus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Graham M , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hemipeplus microphthalmus
What is Hemipeplus microphthalmus?
Hemipeplus microphthalmus is a species in the family Mycteridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hemipeplus microphthalmus?
2.8‒5.2 mm
Where is Hemipeplus microphthalmus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | associated with Andropogon and other grasses, living between the appressed leaf bases and stem |
| Range | SC‒FL‒TX |
What does Hemipeplus microphthalmus eat?
The diet of the Hemipeplus microphthalmus includes Gut contents primarily fungal hyphae & spores.