Iliotona cacti
This record describes Iliotona cacti (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Prosternum carinate, acutely produced anteriorly; teeth of meso- & metatibiae equally spaced separates Iliotona from Hololepta
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Histerinae
- Tribe
- Hololeptini
- Genus
- Iliotona
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.CA‒TX to Guatemala ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Iliotona cacti. 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 Iliotona cacti (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , margarethe brummermann , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Iliotona cacti
What is Iliotona cacti?
Iliotona cacti is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Iliotona cacti?
4.5-7.5 mm . However, the holotype is 13.5 mm including mandibles (11 mm sans mandibles)
How do you identify Iliotona cacti?
Prosternum carinate, acutely produced anteriorly; teeth of meso- & metatibiae equally spaced separates Iliotona from Hololepta
Where is Iliotona cacti found?
Range: s.CA‒TX to Guatemala ( 3 )