Orthocis transversatus
This record describes Orthocis transversatus (species). Recorded family: Ciidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytra with irregular transverse band not attaining the margin. may be distinguished from other North American Orthocis by the 9-segmented antennae, small size, coarse and dense pronotal punctation, and bicolored elytra. Det. E. G. Riley, 2012 Type Locality: Crescent City, Putnam Co., Florida; female; coll. Hubbard and Schwarz
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Ciidae (Minute Tree-fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ciinae
- Tribe
- Ciini
- Genus
- Orthocis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.TX-c.FL-se.VA - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Host fungi. Unknown. Bred from decaying rattan vines in Virginia. Collected by beating dead branches of Quercus and from a dead limb of "red-bay" in Florida.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Orthocis transversatus. 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 Orthocis transversatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthocis transversatus
What is Orthocis transversatus?
Orthocis transversatus is a species in the family Ciidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Orthocis transversatus?
1.2mm
How do you identify Orthocis transversatus?
elytra with irregular transverse band not attaining the margin. may be distinguished from other North American Orthocis by the 9-segmented antennae, small size, coarse and dense pronotal punctation, and bicolored elytra. Det. E. G. Riley, 2012
Where is Orthocis transversatus found?
Range: s.TX-c.FL-se.VA - Map
What is the life cycle of a Orthocis transversatus?
Host fungi. Unknown. Bred from decaying rattan vines in Virginia. Collected by beating dead branches of Quercus and from a dead limb of red-bay in Florida.