Paracymus confusus
This record describes Paracymus confusus (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to other Paracymus, especially Paracymus subcupreus. Males of P. confusus have unequal claws on the front leg, while in P. subcupreus they are similarly shaped. Females of the two species are inseparable. Epler (page 12.54) discusses the difficulty of separating confusus from subcupreus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Hydrophiloidea
- Family
- Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydrophilinae
- Tribe
- Laccobiini
- Genus
- Paracymus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread, mostly southern distribution. Distribution: (based on ) US: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, LA, MO, NM (type locality), NV, OK, TX, UT, VA, WY CAN: BC WI: Bahamas MX: Durango, Sinaloa
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paracymus confusus. 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 Paracymus confusus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Paracymus confusus
What is Paracymus confusus?
Paracymus confusus is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Paracymus confusus?
1.9-2.1 mm
How do you identify Paracymus confusus?
Very similar to other Paracymus, especially Paracymus subcupreus. Males of P. confusus have unequal claws on the front leg, while in P. subcupreus they are similarly shaped. Females of the two species are inseparable. Epler (page 12.54) discusses the difficulty of separating confusus from subcupreus.
Where is Paracymus confusus found?
Range: Widespread, mostly southern distribution. Distribution: (based on ) US: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, LA, MO, NM (type locality), NV, OK, TX, UT, VA, WY CAN: BC WI: Bahamas MX: Durango, Sinaloa