Rhadine infernalis
This record describes Rhadine infernalis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Texas Parks & Wildlife considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Platynini
- Genus
- Rhadine
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Karstic (cavelike) formations of Bexar county, Texas
Geographic Range
Known to inhabit 36 caves in north and northwest Bexar Co., central Texas
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhadine infernalis. 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 Rhadine infernalis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhadine infernalis
What is Rhadine infernalis?
Rhadine infernalis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhadine infernalis?
body length ~ 8.6 to 8 mm
Where is Rhadine infernalis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Karstic (cavelike) formations of Bexar county, Texas |
| Range | Known to inhabit 36 caves in north and northwest Bexar Co., central Texas |