Heterocerus pallidus
This record describes Heterocerus pallidus (species). Recorded family: Heteroceridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elytra | Elytra often testaceous, but may be dark brown, pronotum often with wide pale margins; some males hypermandibulate. |
| Elytra | Elytra dominated by highly variable pale markings; striae absent. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Dryopoidea
- Family
- Heteroceridae (Variegated Mud-loving Beetles)
- Genus
- Heterocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NE to AB-AZ (NB‒AB to VA‒AL‒e.AZ); common from New England to s.AB, AZ and coastal MS. Except for several PA records, not known to occur SE of the Ohio River. A few records from Utah are the only evidence that this species occurs west of the Rockies. No specimens seen from s.US east of MS
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Heterocerus pallidus Say 1823
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Heterocerus pallidus. 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 Heterocerus pallidus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Heterocerus pallidus
What is Heterocerus pallidus?
Heterocerus pallidus is a species in the family Heteroceridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Heterocerus pallidus?
4.5‒6.9 mm
How do you identify Heterocerus pallidus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elytra | Elytra often testaceous, but may be dark brown, pronotum often with wide pale margins; some males hypermandibulate. |
| Elytra | Elytra dominated by highly variable pale markings; striae absent. |
Where is Heterocerus pallidus found?
Range: e NE to AB-AZ (NB‒AB to VA‒AL‒e.AZ); common from New England to s.AB, AZ and coastal MS. Except for several PA records, not known to occur SE of the Ohio River. A few records from Utah are the only evidence that this species occurs west of the Rockies. No specimens seen from s.US east of MS