Laccophilus vacaensis
This record describes Laccophilus vacaensis (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Laccophilinae
- Genus
- Laccophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se AZ east to sw LA, south to Costa Rica; in Florida known only from type on Vaca Key
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Laccophilus vacaensis Young, 1953 Three subspecies: Laccophilus vacaensis chihuahuae Zimmerman, 1970 Laccophilus vacaensis thermophilus Zimmerman, 1970 Laccophilus vacaensis vacaensis Young, 1953 Named for Vaca Key, Florida, where the species was discovered.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Laccophilus vacaensis. 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 Laccophilus vacaensis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthew Pintar; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn