Hololepta lucida
This record describes Hololepta lucida (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
stria on side of each elytron reaches the apex
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Histerinae
- Tribe
- Hololeptini
- Genus
- Hololepta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
under bark of freshly dead trees (primarily poplars); attracted to slime fluxes
Geographic Range
e. US (NY-IL to n.FL-LA) - Map , apparently uncommon along the Gulf and s. Atlantic coastal plains
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hololepta lucida J.E. LeConte 1845
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hololepta lucida. 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 Hololepta lucida (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hololepta lucida
What is Hololepta lucida?
Hololepta lucida is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hololepta lucida?
9-11 mm
How do you identify Hololepta lucida?
stria on side of each elytron reaches the apex
Where is Hololepta lucida found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | under bark of freshly dead trees (primarily poplars); attracted to slime fluxes |
| Range | e. US (NY-IL to n.FL-LA) - Map , apparently uncommon along the Gulf and s. Atlantic coastal plains |