Microphotus chiricahuae
This record describes Microphotus chiricahuae (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Quoting Green, p. 88 : This species is closely related to M. pecosensis, from which it differs greatly in the much broader median lobe of the aedeagus and the non-sinuate ventral inner margins of the lateral lobes. Externally it is not distinguishable with certainty from M. pecosensis. Differences of some value between the two species are the usually notched scutellum, and the shorter secondary pubescence in the basal half of the elytra of M. chircahuae. Probably the locality labels will serve to identify this species, which seems to be confined to the Chiricahua Mountains of southern Arizona. No examples of M. pecosensis have been seen from that region. The two females listed above have the antennae and tarsi with six and four segments respectively.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Lampyrinae
- Tribe
- Lampyrini
- Genus
- Microphotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known from the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Microphotus chiricahuae. 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 Microphotus chiricahuae
What is Microphotus chiricahuae?
Microphotus chiricahuae is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Microphotus chiricahuae?
7 mm (male)
How do you identify Microphotus chiricahuae?
Quoting Green, p. 88 : This species is closely related to M. pecosensis, from which it differs greatly in the much broader median lobe of the aedeagus and the non-sinuate ventral inner margins of the lateral lobes. Externally it is not distinguishable with certainty from M. pecosensis. Differences of some value between the two species are the usually notched scutellum, and the shorter secondary pubescence in the basal half of the elytra of M. chircahuae. Probably the locality labels will serve to identify this species, which seems to be confined to the Chiricahua Mountains of southern Arizona. No examples of M. pecosensis have been seen from that region. The two females listed above have the antennae and tarsi with six and four segments respectively.
Where is Microphotus chiricahuae found?
Range: Known from the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona