Oosternum attacomis
This record describes Oosternum attacomis (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Spangler reported that Moser submitted what became the type series of Oosternum attacomis from Louisiana for identification. They were collected from detritus cavities 2-8 feet underground in nests of the Texas leaf-cutting ant, Atta texana and were most common in moist, fresh detritus actively being broken down by inquilines (nest assocites) but some were also found in dry detritus previously broken down. Additional specimens of this new species were also collected from detritus from a nest of the Mexican leaf-cutting ant, Atta mexicana in El Salvador. Described from ~90 spmns from Louisiana and ~30 spmns from El Salvador
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Hydrophiloidea
- Family
- Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Sphaeridiinae
- Tribe
- Megasternini
- Genus
- Oosternum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Louisiana to C. Amer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
a frequent nest associate of Atta texana ants (Smetana 1978) as well as an asso. of A. mexicana
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oosternum attacomis Spangler, 1962
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oosternum attacomis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oosternum attacomis
What is Oosternum attacomis?
Oosternum attacomis is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oosternum attacomis?
Length 1.3 mm; greatest body width 0.8 mm.
Where is Oosternum attacomis found?
Range: Louisiana to C. Amer.
What is the life cycle of a Oosternum attacomis?
a frequent nest associate of Atta texana ants (Smetana 1978) as well as an asso. of A. mexicana