Rhantus wallisi
This record describes Rhantus wallisi (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum with dark markings along both front and hind margins, markings on the hind margin at most narrowly extended to posterolateral pronotal angles; no central spots/markings on the disc
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 lentic habitats situated in forested areas.
Geographic Range
Transcontinental in Canada and northern US, south to northern CA and CO.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhantus wallisi (Hatch 1953)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhantus wallisi. 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 wallisi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhantus wallisi
What is Rhantus wallisi?
Rhantus wallisi is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhantus wallisi?
9.4-11.6 mm
How do you identify Rhantus wallisi?
Pronotum with dark markings along both front and hind margins, markings on the hind margin at most narrowly extended to posterolateral pronotal angles; no central spots/markings on the disc
Where is Rhantus wallisi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in lentic habitats situated in forested areas. |
| Range | Transcontinental in Canada and northern US, south to northern CA and CO. |