Notoxus desertus
This record describes Notoxus desertus (species). Recorded family: Anthicidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the only way to separate [ N. monodon and N. desertus , where sympatric] is to look at male genitalia. --D.S. Chandler, 2.vii.2010 Det. D. S. Chandler, 2018 Type Locality: Tucson, Gila Valley, Pima Co., Arizona
Wikipedia reference for Notoxus desertus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notoxus_desertus.
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
Habitat
Adults on trees/shrubs/grasses; attracted to lights and cantharidin; overwinter in leaf litter
Geographic Range
e. NA to Calif. (NH-MN-OR south to SC-LA-TX-CA) to Guatemala - Map (D.S. Chandler, pers. comm. to =v=)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Notoxus desertus Casey 1895
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Notoxus desertus. 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 desertus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Notoxus desertus
What is Notoxus desertus?
Notoxus desertus is a species in the family Anthicidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Notoxus desertus?
2.8-4.2 mm
How do you identify Notoxus desertus?
the only way to separate [ N. monodon and N. desertus , where sympatric] is to look at male genitalia. --D.S. Chandler, 2.vii.2010 Det. D. S. Chandler, 2018
Where is Notoxus desertus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults on trees/shrubs/grasses; attracted to lights and cantharidin; overwinter in leaf litter |
| Range | e. NA to Calif. (NH-MN-OR south to SC-LA-TX-CA) to Guatemala - Map (D.S. Chandler, pers. comm. to =v=) |