Salebius octodentatus
This record describes Salebius octodentatus (species). Recorded family: Cryptophagidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Lateral prothoracic carina with three distinct lobes or undulations ; piceorufous, the elytra, antennae, and legs somewhat rufous; pubescence short and decumbent; head and pronotum deeply densely finely punctat, the elytra a little more coarsely sparsely punctate; pronotum transverse, the coarse marginal beading produced into 3 prominent teeth and a prominent rectangular hind angle, the basal marginal beading distinct, the 2 basal foveae evanescent.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Cryptophagidae (Silken Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptophaginae
- Tribe
- Cryptophagini
- Genus
- Salebius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hatch (1962) recorded S. octodentatus "on damp sack of grass seed" and "in oats in a ship from Vancouver, BC"; also collected in association with dead trees ( 4 )
Geographic Range
Pacific North America (BC-CA) , but Jacobs et al. and Wood (2008, unpublished) have collected this species in NW Alberta.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Salebius octodentatus (Mäklin 1852)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Salebius octodentatus. 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 Salebius octodentatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charlene Wood; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Salebius octodentatus
What is Salebius octodentatus?
Salebius octodentatus is a species in the family Cryptophagidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Salebius octodentatus?
2.4-2.9 mm
How do you identify Salebius octodentatus?
Lateral prothoracic carina with three distinct lobes or undulations ; piceorufous, the elytra, antennae, and legs somewhat rufous; pubescence short and decumbent; head and pronotum deeply densely finely punctat, the elytra a little more coarsely sparsely punctate; pronotum transverse, the coarse marginal beading produced into 3 prominent teeth and a prominent rectangular hind angle, the basal marginal beading distinct, the 2 basal foveae evanescent.
Where is Salebius octodentatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Hatch (1962) recorded S. octodentatus on damp sack of grass seed and in oats in a ship from Vancouver, BC; also collected in association with dead trees ( 4 ) |
| Range | Pacific North America (BC-CA) , but Jacobs et al. and Wood (2008, unpublished) have collected this species in NW Alberta. |