Nelsonphotus aridus
This record describes Nelsonphotus aridus (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
You can see a picture of the holotype at my website . Dried specimens lose pronotal convexity and the brilliant color. Only a few male specimens are known. The female is unknown and will be larviform. --Joe Cicero
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Lampyrinae
- Tribe
- Lampyrini
- Genus
- Nelsonphotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
lower desert of so. CA & Sonora
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nelsonphotus aridus Cicero 2006
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nelsonphotus aridus. 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 Nelsonphotus aridus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Lynette Elliott , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelsonphotus aridus
What is Nelsonphotus aridus?
Nelsonphotus aridus is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Nelsonphotus aridus?
3.75-8 mm
How do you identify Nelsonphotus aridus?
You can see a picture of the holotype at my website . Dried specimens lose pronotal convexity and the brilliant color. Only a few male specimens are known. The female is unknown and will be larviform. --Joe Cicero
Where is Nelsonphotus aridus found?
Range: lower desert of so. CA & Sonora