Meridiorhantus calidus
This record describes Meridiorhantus calidus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum dark medially with broad pale lateral margins; elytron variegated; ventral surface dark reddish brown ( 3 ) Adult's head dark brown to black, large eyes, front and top of head with brownish-yellow spot. |
| Elytra | Elytra with pale band near base and three pale stripes. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum dark brown with two paler spots on the front; most densely punctate behind eyes; angles rounded. Prosternal process convex; metasternum triangularly split. Protarsal claws equal in length. Mature larvae have ≤8 setae on cerci; antennomere 4 at least ⅔ as long as the third |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Colymbetinae
- Tribe
- Colymbetini
- Genus
- Meridiorhantus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
muddy freshwater wetlands incl. swamps, stream pools, ponds, lakes, and marshes
Geographic Range
NY‒FL‒TX‒OK & se.AZ to Brazil; W. Indies ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Meridiorhantus calidus (Fabricius 1792)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Meridiorhantus calidus. 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 Meridiorhantus calidus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Claude Tessier , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Meridiorhantus calidus
What is Meridiorhantus calidus?
Meridiorhantus calidus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Meridiorhantus calidus?
11‒14 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Meridiorhantus calidus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum dark medially with broad pale lateral margins; elytron variegated; ventral surface dark reddish brown ( 3 ) Adult's head dark brown to black, large eyes, front and top of head with brownish-yellow spot. |
| Elytra | Elytra with pale band near base and three pale stripes. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum dark brown with two paler spots on the front; most densely punctate behind eyes; angles rounded. Prosternal process convex; metasternum triangularly split. Protarsal claws equal in length. Mature larvae have ≤8 setae on cerci; antennomere 4 at least ⅔ as long as the third |
Where is Meridiorhantus calidus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | muddy freshwater wetlands incl. swamps, stream pools, ponds, lakes, and marshes |
| Range | NY‒FL‒TX‒OK & se.AZ to Brazil; W. Indies ( 4 ) ( 5 ) |