Heterocerus texanus
This record describes Heterocerus texanus (species). Recorded family: Heteroceridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. Jonas G. King, 2012 Type Locality: Sabinal, Uvalde County, Texas
Identification notes
Det. Jonas G. King, 2012
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
Habitat
commonly collected from the banks of the Mississippi River and nearby oxbow lakes, also from coastal areas, and occasionally from ponds, swamps and small streams.
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-NC-IA) - Map , common in Texas and the se US
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Heterocerus texanus. 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 texanus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Heterocerus texanus
What is Heterocerus texanus?
Heterocerus texanus is a species in the family Heteroceridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Heterocerus texanus?
Length 2.9-3.5 mm
How do you identify Heterocerus texanus?
Det. Jonas G. King, 2012
Where is Heterocerus texanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | commonly collected from the banks of the Mississippi River and nearby oxbow lakes, also from coastal areas, and occasionally from ponds, swamps and small streams. |
| Range | e US (TX-FL-NC-IA) - Map , common in Texas and the se US |