Monocrepidius xysticus
This record describes Monocrepidius xysticus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agrypninae
- Tribe
- Oophorini
- Genus
- Monocrepidius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
wide sandy coastal plain of TX & LA
Geographic Range
w. LA to C. Amer. - Map , all US records are within the range of Texas Leaf-Cutter Ant
Diet and Behavior
Life History
"One adult captured entering [an Atta texana ] nest; an adult and many fragments found in nest refuse." ( 4 ) ; a larva collected in an Atta texana nest was identified as " Conoderus (prob. xysticus )" ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Monocrepidius xysticus Candèze 1859
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Monocrepidius xysticus. 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 Monocrepidius xysticus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Monocrepidius xysticus
How big is Monocrepidius xysticus?
15-20 mm
Where is Monocrepidius xysticus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | wide sandy coastal plain of TX & LA |
| Range | w. LA to C. Amer. - Map , all US records are within the range of Texas Leaf-Cutter Ant |
What is the life cycle of a Monocrepidius xysticus?
One adult captured entering [an Atta texana ] nest; an adult and many fragments found in nest refuse. ( 4 ) ; a larva collected in an Atta texana nest was identified as Conoderus (prob. xysticus ) ( 5 )