Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani
This record describes Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani, or Hoffman's cave beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is endemic to Virginia in the United States.
Wikipedia reference for Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Trechinae
- Tribe
- Trechini
- Genus
- Pseudanophthalmus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
only known from a few caves in Smyth and Bland Counties, VA (Barr 2004)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani Barr 1965
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani
What is Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani?
Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani?
4.0 mm (BG data)
Where is Pseudanophthalmus hoffmani found?
Range: only known from a few caves in Smyth and Bland Counties, VA (Barr 2004)