Micratopus aenescens
This record describes Micratopus aenescens (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Holotype adults best collected by sifting forest floor litter ; fairly common at lights in TX
Identification notes
Holotype
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Trechinae
- Tribe
- Tachyini
- Genus
- Micratopus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
swampy areas in hardwood forests
Geographic Range
e. & so.US (CT‒WI to FL‒CA)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Micratopus aenescens (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Micratopus aenescens. 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 Micratopus aenescens (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Peter Messer , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Micratopus aenescens
What is Micratopus aenescens?
Micratopus aenescens is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Micratopus aenescens?
Holotype
Where is Micratopus aenescens found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | swampy areas in hardwood forests |
| Range | e. & so.US (CT‒WI to FL‒CA) |