Ochthebius attritus
This record describes Ochthebius attritus (species). Recorded family: Hydraenidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Hydraenidae (Minute Moss Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ochthebiinae
- Genus
- Ochthebius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
typically brackish ponds, but can be found in freshwater to saltwater
Geographic Range
Florida; coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ochthebius attritus Leconte, 1878
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ochthebius attritus. 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.