Sparedrus aspersus
This record describes Sparedrus aspersus (species). Recorded family: Oedemeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2012 Adults come to lights (E.G. Riley, pers. comm., 2012)
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2012
Wikipedia reference for Sparedrus aspersus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparedrus_aspersus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Oedemeridae (False Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Calopodinae
- Genus
- Sparedrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Dallas to c. TX - Map - common in the Hill Country of c. TX (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2012)
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Apr (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: aspersus = 'spotty/scattered' (may refer to black dots on elytra or to sporadic distribution(?))
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sparedrus aspersus. 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 Sparedrus aspersus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sparedrus aspersus
What is Sparedrus aspersus?
Sparedrus aspersus is a species in the family Oedemeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sparedrus aspersus?
11 mm (Type)
How do you identify Sparedrus aspersus?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2012
Where is Sparedrus aspersus found?
Range: Dallas to c. TX - Map - common in the Hill Country of c. TX (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2012)
When is Sparedrus aspersus active?
Sparedrus aspersus: seasonal activity - Mar-Apr (BG data).