Rhantus consimilis
This record describes Rhantus consimilis (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Head pale anteriorly, posterior margin solid black, no frontal spots, pronotum with few or no black maculations, venter reddish yellow, no black markings
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Colymbetinae
- Tribe
- Colymbetini
- Genus
- Rhantus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in warm, weedy grassland ponds, both permanent and vernal
Geographic Range
Transcontinental in s.Canada & n.US; in the west, south to California
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhantus consimilis (Motschulsky 1859)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhantus consimilis. 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 Rhantus consimilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhantus consimilis
What is Rhantus consimilis?
Rhantus consimilis is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhantus consimilis?
9.2‒11.6 mm
How do you identify Rhantus consimilis?
Head pale anteriorly, posterior margin solid black, no frontal spots, pronotum with few or no black maculations, venter reddish yellow, no black markings
Where is Rhantus consimilis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in warm, weedy grassland ponds, both permanent and vernal |
| Range | Transcontinental in s.Canada & n.US; in the west, south to California |