Litargus tetraspilotus
This record describes Litargus tetraspilotus (species). Recorded family: Mycetophagidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Mycetophagidae (Hairy Fungus Beetles)
- Tribe
- Mycetophagini
- Genus
- Litargus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.NA (NB‒FL to SK‒TX) to Argentina
Diet and Behavior
Diet: associated with moldy vegetation, with Euvira micmac in red oak galls in Nova Scotia ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Litargus tetraspilotus LeConte 1856
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Litargus tetraspilotus. 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 Litargus tetraspilotus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Litargus tetraspilotus
How big is Litargus tetraspilotus?
1.9‒2.5 mm
Where is Litargus tetraspilotus found?
Range: e.NA (NB‒FL to SK‒TX) to Argentina
What does Litargus tetraspilotus eat?
The diet of the Litargus tetraspilotus includes associated with moldy vegetation, with Euvira micmac in red oak galls in Nova Scotia ( 3 ).