Oxycopis howdeni
This record describes Oxycopis howdeni (species). Recorded family: Oedemeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The fuscus color of this beetle makes it distinctive Type: Male, Tornillo Flat, Big Bend National Park, Tex., 3200 ft., May 12, 1959 (collected by Edward Becker and Henry F Howden).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Oedemeridae (False Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Oedemerinae
- Tribe
- Asclerini
- Genus
- Oxycopis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. to s. TX / Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oxycopis howdeni Arnett 1965
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oxycopis howdeni. 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 Oxycopis howdeni (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxycopis howdeni
What is Oxycopis howdeni?
Oxycopis howdeni is a species in the family Oedemeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Oxycopis howdeni?
The fuscus color of this beetle makes it distinctive
Where is Oxycopis howdeni found?
Range: w. to s. TX / Mex. - Map