Hister abbreviatus
This record describes Hister abbreviatus (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Both subhumeral striae present on elytron
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Histerinae
- Tribe
- Histerini
- Genus
- Hister
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
mostly cow/horse dung, but also carrion, decaying mushrooms, compost
Geographic Range
transcontinental (BC‒NB to CA‒FL‒Mexico; map )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hister abbreviatus Fabricius 1775
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hister abbreviatus. 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 Hister abbreviatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hister abbreviatus
What is Hister abbreviatus?
Hister abbreviatus is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hister abbreviatus?
4.1‒6.0 mm ; 3.5‒4.3 mm
How do you identify Hister abbreviatus?
Both subhumeral striae present on elytron
Where is Hister abbreviatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mostly cow/horse dung, but also carrion, decaying mushrooms, compost |
| Range | transcontinental (BC‒NB to CA‒FL‒Mexico; map ) |