Neoscutopterus hornii
This record describes Neoscutopterus hornii (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Antennae and palpi entirely pale, with little or no darkening; metasternal wing narrow
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Colymbetinae
- Tribe
- Colymbetini
- Genus
- Neoscutopterus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In bogs and fens, often in moss mats (eg. Spaghnum); also along the margins of lakes and beaver ponds
Geographic Range
Transcontinental in the north, south to MI-WI; more common in the west
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neoscutopterus hornii (Crotch 1873)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Neoscutopterus hornii. 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 Neoscutopterus hornii (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Neoscutopterus hornii
What is Neoscutopterus hornii?
Neoscutopterus hornii is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Neoscutopterus hornii?
13.7-16.7 mm
How do you identify Neoscutopterus hornii?
Antennae and palpi entirely pale, with little or no darkening; metasternal wing narrow
Where is Neoscutopterus hornii found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In bogs and fens, often in moss mats (eg. Spaghnum); also along the margins of lakes and beaver ponds |
| Range | Transcontinental in the north, south to MI-WI; more common in the west |