Notoxus calcaratus
This record describes Notoxus calcaratus (species). Recorded family: Anthicidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. D. Chandler, 2015
Wikipedia reference for Notoxus calcaratus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notoxus_calcaratus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Anthicidae (Antlike Flower Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Notoxinae
- Genus
- Notoxus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
US (transcontinental: OR‒CA to NJ‒FL) / n.Mex. - Map , mostly sw US (c.CA to e.TX)
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
collected on Opuntia invicta flowers, Prosopis, Hoffmannseggia , cotton, under low plants in corn fields and attracted to drying meloid beetles. This species is fairly common on cotton and is of some economic importance in that it will eat the eggs of lepidopterous pests. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Notoxus calcaratus Horn 1884
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Notoxus calcaratus. 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 Notoxus calcaratus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Notoxus calcaratus
How big is Notoxus calcaratus?
2.6‒4.2 mm
How do you identify Notoxus calcaratus?
Det. D. Chandler, 2015
Where is Notoxus calcaratus found?
Range: US (transcontinental: OR‒CA to NJ‒FL) / n.Mex. - Map , mostly sw US (c.CA to e.TX)
When is Notoxus calcaratus active?
Notoxus calcaratus: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-Oct (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Notoxus calcaratus?
collected on Opuntia invicta flowers, Prosopis, Hoffmannseggia , cotton, under low plants in corn fields and attracted to drying meloid beetles. This species is fairly common on cotton and is of some economic importance in that it will eat the eggs of lepidopterous pests. ( 3 )