Listrochelus texensis
This record describes Listrochelus texensis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Saylor: Outer front claw with a larger intercalated tooth, inner claw without such tooth; pygidium normally convex; sides of thorax subangularly dilated, margin very coarsely crenate Type Locality: Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texeas, June 5, 1932 [Saylor], deposited in the United States National Museum (No. 53770).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Rhizotrogini
- Genus
- Listrochelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. to c. & s. TX (Sanderson to Uvalde to Brownsville)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Listrochelus texensis (Saylor, 1940)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Listrochelus texensis. 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 Listrochelus texensis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by nebbeetle
Frequently Asked Questions About Listrochelus texensis
What is Listrochelus texensis?
Listrochelus texensis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Listrochelus texensis?
11-14 mm
How do you identify Listrochelus texensis?
Saylor: Outer front claw with a larger intercalated tooth, inner claw without such tooth; pygidium normally convex; sides of thorax subangularly dilated, margin very coarsely crenate
Where is Listrochelus texensis found?
Range: w. to c. & s. TX (Sanderson to Uvalde to Brownsville)