Oxypselaphus pusillus
This record describes Oxypselaphus pusillus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Platynini
- Genus
- Oxypselaphus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
wet places: edges of marshes/swamps/ponds, beaver houses, forested river edges, usually on organic-rich muddy/clayish soils
Geographic Range
transcontinental (BC‒NB to OR‒ne.KS‒nw.SC)
Seasonal Activity
spring breeder
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oxypselaphus pusillus (LeConte 1854)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oxypselaphus pusillus. 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 Oxypselaphus pusillus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Peter Messer , v belov , W. Steffens
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxypselaphus pusillus
How big is Oxypselaphus pusillus?
5.3‒6.8 mm
Where is Oxypselaphus pusillus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | wet places: edges of marshes/swamps/ponds, beaver houses, forested river edges, usually on organic-rich muddy/clayish soils |
| Range | transcontinental (BC‒NB to OR‒ne.KS‒nw.SC) |
When is Oxypselaphus pusillus active?
Oxypselaphus pusillus: seasonal activity - spring breeder.