Metophthalmus rileyi
This record describes Metophthalmus rileyi (species). Recorded family: Latridiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: TX, Brazos Co., Koppe's Bridge, College Station, 5 mi SW. VI-3-1995, Fred G. Andrews, Berlese Quercus litter. (Andrews 1998)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Latridiidae (Minute Brown Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Latridiinae
- Genus
- Metophthalmus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Leaf litter (Andrews 1998)
Geographic Range
Widely dist. across TX from Rio Grande to Red River to Trans-Pecos (Andrews 1998), common in pitfall traps set at multiple sites across Cameron and Hidalgo Co.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Metophthalmus rileyi Andrews 1998
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Metophthalmus rileyi. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metophthalmus rileyi
What is Metophthalmus rileyi?
Metophthalmus rileyi is a species in the family Latridiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Metophthalmus rileyi?
1.1-1.3 mm (Andrews 1998)
Where is Metophthalmus rileyi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Leaf litter (Andrews 1998) |
| Range | Widely dist. across TX from Rio Grande to Red River to Trans-Pecos (Andrews 1998), common in pitfall traps set at multiple sites across Cameron and Hidalgo Co. |