Selenophorus elytrostictus
This record describes Selenophorus elytrostictus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum with base straight between obtusely angulate hind angles; discwith distinct microsculpture, not diminished mediad. |
| Elytra | Elytra with intervals densely and coarsely punctate. Type Locality: TX: Cameron Co., Laguna Atascosa NWR, IV-25/V-15-2010, B. Raber & D. Heffern // 26.218° N, 97.355° W, UV light trap, edge of marsh |
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
Geographic Range
s. TX (s. & e. of Victoria and Zapata Co.) Note: ten Selenophorus spp. were collected at Santa Ana NWR including S. balli, S. elytrostictus, S. fatuus, S. intermedius, S. palliatus, S. pedicularius, S. rileyi, S. seriatoporus, S. striatopunctatus , and S. undatus .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Selenophorus elytrostictus Messer & Raber 2021
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Selenophorus elytrostictus. 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 elytrostictus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Peter W. Messer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Selenophorus elytrostictus
What is Selenophorus elytrostictus?
Selenophorus elytrostictus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Selenophorus elytrostictus?
ABL 5.0–6.0 mm
How do you identify Selenophorus elytrostictus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum with base straight between obtusely angulate hind angles; discwith distinct microsculpture, not diminished mediad. |
| Elytra | Elytra with intervals densely and coarsely punctate. |
Where is Selenophorus elytrostictus found?
Range: s. TX (s. & e. of Victoria and Zapata Co.) Note: ten Selenophorus spp. were collected at Santa Ana NWR including S. balli, S. elytrostictus, S. fatuus, S. intermedius, S. palliatus, S. pedicularius, S. rileyi, S. seriatoporus, S. striatopunctatus , and S. undatus .