Physea hirta
This record describes Physea hirta (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Physea hirta has a uniform covering of short setae in addition to longer tactile setae, while Physea latipes lacks the short setae, having only the long tactile ones. Type locality: Mexico ... a few miles south of our boundary (original citation)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Paussinae
- Tribe
- Ozaenini
- Genus
- Physea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults have been taken in and around the midden heaps of Atta nests, during the day and at night. Larvae presumably live in the same habitat. Known to come to UV light on at least one occasion.
Geographic Range
c. TX to C. Amer. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Myrmecophilous, associated with leaf-cutter ants - Atta mexicana
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: hirta (L). 'hairy'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Physea hirta. 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 Physea hirta (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Physea hirta
What is Physea hirta?
Physea hirta is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Physea hirta?
10.5 to 11.7 mm
How do you identify Physea hirta?
Physea hirta has a uniform covering of short setae in addition to longer tactile setae, while Physea latipes lacks the short setae, having only the long tactile ones.
Where is Physea hirta found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults have been taken in and around the midden heaps of Atta nests, during the day and at night. Larvae presumably live in the same habitat. Known to come to UV light on at least one occasion. |
| Range | c. TX to C. Amer. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) |
What is the life cycle of a Physea hirta?
Myrmecophilous, associated with leaf-cutter ants - Atta mexicana