Hypothyce mixta
This record describes Hypothyce mixta (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
PARATYPE Type Locality: Tennessee colony, Anderson Co., TX Paratypes cited by Howden are from other localities in Anderson County, as well as in Harris, Nacogdoches and Wood counties. Hardy added Gonzales county. Currently only one species is recognized in Texas; however, preliminary study indicates it is either a highly polytypic species or multiple species are present. Riley and Wolfe collected or have seen Hypothyce specimens from Anderson, Bastrop, Burleson, Caldwell, Lee, Leon, Limestone, Newton, Nacogdoches, Robertson, Smith and Wood counties in Texas, and Winn Parish, Louisiana. Further taxonomic and biological studies are needed to assess the status of these populations and to determine which of these are true H. mixta .
Identification notes
PARATYPE
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Melolonthini
- Genus
- Hypothyce
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
occurrs in “isolated, sandy areas which are sparsely covered with hardwood, pine, and herbaceous vegetation” (Barfield and Gibson 1975)
Geographic Range
endemic to e. Texas and two parishes in north-central Louisiana - Map frequently collected at Camp Whispering Pines near Garrison, TX (Barfield and Gibson 1975)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults apparently did not eat and appear to have a vestigial digestive system. (Barfield and Gibson 1975)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hypothyce mixta Howden 1968
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hypothyce mixta. 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 Hypothyce mixta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypothyce mixta
What is Hypothyce mixta?
Hypothyce mixta is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Hypothyce mixta?
PARATYPE
Where is Hypothyce mixta found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | occurrs in isolated, sandy areas which are sparsely covered with hardwood, pine, and herbaceous vegetation (Barfield and Gibson 1975) |
| Range | endemic to e. Texas and two parishes in north-central Louisiana - Map frequently collected at Camp Whispering Pines near Garrison, TX (Barfield and Gibson 1975) |
What does Hypothyce mixta eat?
The diet of the Hypothyce mixta includes Adults apparently did not eat and appear to have a vestigial digestive system. (Barfield and Gibson 1975).