Hyboptera auxiliadora
This record describes Hyboptera auxiliadora (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sides of pronotum broadly reflexed throughout; neck broad. Elytral ground color black, surface with scattered metallic or brassy reflections; interval 5 with 6 tubercles. (Erwin 2004) Described by Terry Erwin from Bentsen-RGV State Park Holotype. Male. TEXAS, Hidalgo County, Mission, Bentsen State Park, July (W.E. Steiner)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Lebiini
- Genus
- Hyboptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The holotype was collected by Warren Steiner from under bark of Sugar Hackberry - Celtis laevigata . George Vogt collected another individual from under the web tent of a psocid colony. Adults of various species in this genus are regularly collected in small numbers using insecticidal fogging techniques in the forest canopy in the Amazon Basin, thus they are certainly at times arboreal. Known altitudinal range of this species is between 10 and 240 meters above sea level. (Erwin 2004)
Geographic Range
southmost Texas, south to Panamá. (Erwin 2004) , plus Harris Co., TX - Map TEXAS: 1 male, Cameron County, Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary nr. Southmost, May (R. Turnbow)(UASM), 1 female, Hidalgo County, Bentsen Rio Grande State Park, July (C.A. Triplehorn)(OSUC), 1 female, SE Hidalgo County, October (G.B. Vogt)(NMNH). 1, Cameron County, Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary, October (Riley, Raber, & Heffern)
Seasonal Activity
Adults found in May, July, and October in Texas. (Erwin 2004)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: predators that eat Psochoptera and Embioptera under the silk webbing these critters weave on tree trunks. (Terry Erwin, comment 2015)
Life History
The wings are fully developed and adults of other species of this genus are known to occur in the canopy of tropical forests, thus it is likely that this species is a moderate to strong flyer. (Erwin 2004)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyboptera auxiliadora Erwin, 2004
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyboptera auxiliadora. 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 Hyboptera auxiliadora (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyboptera auxiliadora
What is Hyboptera auxiliadora?
Hyboptera auxiliadora is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Hyboptera auxiliadora?
Sides of pronotum broadly reflexed throughout; neck broad. Elytral ground color black, surface with scattered metallic or brassy reflections; interval 5 with 6 tubercles. (Erwin 2004)
Where is Hyboptera auxiliadora found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | The holotype was collected by Warren Steiner from under bark of Sugar Hackberry - Celtis laevigata . George Vogt collected another individual from under the web tent of a psocid colony. Adults of various species in this genus are regularly collected in small numbers using insecticidal fogging techniques in the forest canopy in the Amazon Basin, thus they are certainly at times arboreal. Known altitudinal range of this species is between 10 and 240 meters above sea level. (Erwin 2004) |
| Range | southmost Texas, south to Panamá. (Erwin 2004) , plus Harris Co., TX - Map TEXAS: 1 male, Cameron County, Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary nr. Southmost, May (R. Turnbow)(UASM), 1 female, Hidalgo County, Bentsen Rio Grande State Park, July (C.A. Triplehorn)(OSUC), 1 female, SE Hidalgo County, October (G.B. Vogt)(NMNH). 1, Cameron County, Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary, October (Riley, Raber, & Heffern) |
What does Hyboptera auxiliadora eat?
The diet of the Hyboptera auxiliadora includes predators that eat Psochoptera and Embioptera under the silk webbing these critters weave on tree trunks. (Terry Erwin, comment 2015).
When is Hyboptera auxiliadora active?
Hyboptera auxiliadora: seasonal activity - Adults found in May, July, and October in Texas. (Erwin 2004).
What is the life cycle of a Hyboptera auxiliadora?
The wings are fully developed and adults of other species of this genus are known to occur in the canopy of tropical forests, thus it is likely that this species is a moderate to strong flyer. (Erwin 2004)