Selenophorus chaparralus
This record describes Selenophorus chaparralus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the only Selenophorus bearing paired carinate prominences on the last visible abdominal sternum of the male. Type Locality: Amistad Reservoir, Val Verde Co., TX
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Harpalini
- Genus
- Selenophorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
holotype and the female paratype from Val Verde County were collected under a small rock in a dry grassy acacia savanna upland ca. 1 km from the Amistad Reservoir shoreline at San Pedro campsite, Amistad National Recreation Area.
Geographic Range
sw TX (Val Verde to Cameron Co.)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Selenophorus chaparralus Purrington, 2000
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Selenophorus chaparralus. 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 Selenophorus chaparralus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Peter W. Messer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Selenophorus chaparralus
What is Selenophorus chaparralus?
Selenophorus chaparralus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Selenophorus chaparralus?
the only Selenophorus bearing paired carinate prominences on the last visible abdominal sternum of the male.
Where is Selenophorus chaparralus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | holotype and the female paratype from Val Verde County were collected under a small rock in a dry grassy acacia savanna upland ca. 1 km from the Amistad Reservoir shoreline at San Pedro campsite, Amistad National Recreation Area. |
| Range | sw TX (Val Verde to Cameron Co.) |