Hololepta minuta
This record describes Hololepta minuta (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Introduced into Guam from Trinidad in 1953 and 1954 to control the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar).
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
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.) / s. to Brazil - Map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hololepta minuta. 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 Hololepta minuta
What is Hololepta minuta?
Hololepta minuta is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hololepta minuta?
6 mm
Where is Hololepta minuta found?
Range: southmost TX (Cameron Co.) / s. to Brazil - Map