Heterocerus sandersoni
This record describes Heterocerus sandersoni (species). Recorded family: Heteroceridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
conspicuous longitudinal striations on the elytra
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
se Canada & e US west to the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers (not known from NC‒FL)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Heterocerus sandersoni (Pacheco 1964)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Heterocerus sandersoni. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heterocerus sandersoni
What is Heterocerus sandersoni?
Heterocerus sandersoni is a species in the family Heteroceridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Heterocerus sandersoni?
4.5‒5.5 mm
How do you identify Heterocerus sandersoni?
conspicuous longitudinal striations on the elytra
Where is Heterocerus sandersoni found?
Range: se Canada & e US west to the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers (not known from NC‒FL)