Silis spathulata
This record describes Silis spathulata (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Silis spathulata is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Silis spathulata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silis_spathulata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Silinae
- Tribe
- Silini
- Genus
- Silis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NY-TN-SC
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Silis spathulata LeConte 1881
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Silis spathulata. 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 Silis spathulata (5)
Photo credits: (c) Alain Hogue, all rights reserved, uploaded by Alain Hogue | (c) Michael H. King, all rights reserved | no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Bédard | (c) Jason M Crockwell, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by Jason M Crockwell | Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Silis spathulata
What is Silis spathulata?
Silis spathulata is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Silis spathulata?
5 mm
Where is Silis spathulata found?
Range: NY-TN-SC