Hypocaccus iris
This record describes Hypocaccus iris (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Hypocaccus iris (Hypocaccus iris) is a species in the family Histeridae, commonly known as clown beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Saprininae, tribe Hypocaccini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Histeroidea. This species belongs to the genus Hypocaccus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 2.1-3.3 mm. It is found in one of the two most commonly collected histerids in pitfall traps on a grassland dune field near Empress, Alberta, Canada. Active during most active during June and early July, consistent with the proposition that the species overwinter as long-lived adults..
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Saprininae
- Tribe
- Hypocaccini
- Genus
- Hypocaccus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
one of the two most commonly collected histerids in pitfall traps on a grassland dune field near Empress, Alberta, Canada ( 3 )
Geographic Range
n. US, s. CAN, w. to Rocky Mtns - Map
Seasonal Activity
most active during June and early July, consistent with the proposition that the species overwinter as long-lived adults. ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hypocaccus iris. 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 Hypocaccus iris (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypocaccus iris
What is Hypocaccus iris?
Hypocaccus iris is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hypocaccus iris?
2.1-3.3 mm
Where is Hypocaccus iris found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | one of the two most commonly collected histerids in pitfall traps on a grassland dune field near Empress, Alberta, Canada ( 3 ) |
| Range | n. US, s. CAN, w. to Rocky Mtns - Map |
When is Hypocaccus iris active?
Hypocaccus iris: seasonal activity - most active during June and early July, consistent with the proposition that the species overwinter as long-lived adults. ( 3 ).