Comal Springs Riffle Beetle
Heterelmis comalensis
This record describes Heterelmis comalensis (species). Recorded family: Elmidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
H. comalensis is the smallest of the Heterelmis species (n = 5) in the US, is the only species of Heterelmis with vestigial hind wings, and is flightless (Bosse et al., 1988). Type Locality: Texas, Comal County, Comal River, Landa Park Springs, 9 April 1976, L. S. Bosse, collector. Texas Parks & Wildlife considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Dryopoidea
- Family
- Elmidae (Riffle Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Elminae
- Tribe
- Elmini
- Genus
- Heterelmis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
endemic to two spring complexes: Comal Springs, Comal Co. and San Marcos Spring, Hays Co., TX - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Heterelmis comalensis Bosse, Tuff, and Brown, 1988
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Heterelmis comalensis. 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 Comal Springs Riffle Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Comal Springs Riffle Beetle
What is Comal Springs Riffle Beetle?
Comal Springs Riffle Beetle (Heterelmis comalensis) is a species in the family Elmidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Comal Springs Riffle Beetle?
Male-Length 1.7 to 2.1 mm; Female averaging slightly larger. (Bosse et al., 1988).
How do you identify Comal Springs Riffle Beetle?
H. comalensis is the smallest of the Heterelmis species (n = 5) in the US, is the only species of Heterelmis with vestigial hind wings, and is flightless (Bosse et al., 1988).
Where is Comal Springs Riffle Beetle found?
Range: endemic to two spring complexes: Comal Springs, Comal Co. and San Marcos Spring, Hays Co., TX - Map