Oreodytes scitulus
This record describes Oreodytes scitulus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Epipleuron does not meet the humeral angle between pronotum and elytron (visible in the lateral view). Distinctive colour pattern on pronotum and elytra: with anterior and posterior black markings on the pronotum that are joined/contiguous with one another; each elytron with 8 stripes, outer (sublateral) ones distinctly fused to form blotches.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydroporinae
- Tribe
- Hydroporini
- Genus
- Oreodytes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in streams and rivers and wave-washed margins of lakes
Geographic Range
One of the few more widespread species- transcontinental in Canada, in the west, range extends south to California and New Mexico, also in the northeastern US.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oreodytes scitulus (LeConte 1855)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oreodytes scitulus. 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 Oreodytes scitulus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh
Frequently Asked Questions About Oreodytes scitulus
What is Oreodytes scitulus?
Oreodytes scitulus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oreodytes scitulus?
3.2-4 mm
How do you identify Oreodytes scitulus?
Epipleuron does not meet the humeral angle between pronotum and elytron (visible in the lateral view). Distinctive colour pattern on pronotum and elytra: with anterior and posterior black markings on the pronotum that are joined/contiguous with one another; each elytron with 8 stripes, outer (sublateral) ones distinctly fused to form blotches.
Where is Oreodytes scitulus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in streams and rivers and wave-washed margins of lakes |
| Range | One of the few more widespread species- transcontinental in Canada, in the west, range extends south to California and New Mexico, also in the northeastern US. |