Platyprosopus mexicanus
This record describes Platyprosopus mexicanus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Platyprosopus mexicanus (Platyprosopus mexicanus) is a species in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as rove beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Platyprosopinae, tribe Platyprosopini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Staphylinoidea. This species belongs to the genus Platyprosopus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 8 mm. It is found in river floodplains & other wet habitats (based of known habitat of congeners).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Platyprosopinae
- Tribe
- Platyprosopini
- Genus
- Platyprosopus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
river floodplains & other wet habitats ( 3 ) (based of known habitat of congeners)
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) / widespread in Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Platyprosopus mexicanus Sharp 1887
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platyprosopus mexicanus. 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 Platyprosopus mexicanus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Platyprosopus mexicanus
What is Platyprosopus mexicanus?
Platyprosopus mexicanus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Platyprosopus mexicanus?
8 mm
Where is Platyprosopus mexicanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | river floodplains & other wet habitats ( 3 ) (based of known habitat of congeners) |
| Range | southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) / widespread in Mex. - Map |