Eastern Snail Eater
Scaphinotus elevatus
This record describes Scaphinotus elevatus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. K. H. Stephan, 2002
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Carabinae
- Tribe
- Cychrini
- Genus
- Scaphinotus (Snail Carabids)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lowland & montane habitats
Geographic Range
e. NA to NM (NH-FL to MB-NM) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scaphinotus elevatus (Fabricius 1787)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scaphinotus elevatus. 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 Eastern Snail Eater (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov