Rhantus gutticollis
This record describes Rhantus gutticollis (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Detail from this image : Diagnostic characters include the pair of medial pronotal spots and the black colouration of the head narrowly encircling around the eyes (in the similar R. binotatus , the black colouration does not encircle the eyes). R. gutticollis is found mainly in streams and is primarily a western species. - Tim Loh, 2009
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 quiet areas of small, clear streams
Geographic Range
w NA (BC-CA to SD-TX) / Mex. to C. Amer.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhantus gutticollis (Say 1834)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhantus gutticollis. 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 gutticollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhantus gutticollis
What is Rhantus gutticollis?
Rhantus gutticollis is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhantus gutticollis?
9.8-12.7 mm
How do you identify Rhantus gutticollis?
Detail from this image : Diagnostic characters include the pair of medial pronotal spots and the black colouration of the head narrowly encircling around the eyes (in the similar R. binotatus , the black colouration does not encircle the eyes). R. gutticollis is found mainly in streams and is primarily a western species. - Tim Loh, 2009
Where is Rhantus gutticollis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in quiet areas of small, clear streams |
| Range | w NA (BC-CA to SD-TX) / Mex. to C. Amer. |