Sperchopsis tessellata
This record describes Sperchopsis tessellata (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. J.C. Abbott
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Hydrophiloidea
- Family
- Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydrophilinae
- Tribe
- Hydrobiusini
- Genus
- Sperchopsis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
lotic habitats, unusual for Hydrophilidae; "prefers the margins of cold, clear, rapidly flowing streams. Undercut gravelly and sandy stream banks with overhanging roots seem to be especially suitable." (Spangler 1961) in eddies and backwaters of swift, sand bottomed streams in leaf drifts (Young 1954) Unusual for most hydrophilids, Sperchopsis prefers swiftly running sand-bottomed streams, where it occurs around rootlets below undercut banks, in leaf packs and on submerged logs and branches. ( 4 )
Geographic Range
e NA (e.TX-c.FL-NS-WI)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: tessellata (L). 'checkered'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sperchopsis tessellata. 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 Sperchopsis tessellata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Sperchopsis tessellata
How big is Sperchopsis tessellata?
6.5-7.6 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Sperchopsis tessellata?
Det. J.C. Abbott
Where is Sperchopsis tessellata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | lotic habitats, unusual for Hydrophilidae; prefers the margins of cold, clear, rapidly flowing streams. Undercut gravelly and sandy stream banks with overhanging roots seem to be especially suitable. (Spangler 1961) in eddies and backwaters of swift, sand bottomed streams in leaf drifts (Young 1954) Unusual for most hydrophilids, Sperchopsis prefers swiftly running sand-bottomed streams, where it occurs around rootlets below undercut banks, in leaf packs and on submerged logs and branches. ( 4 ) |
| Range | e NA (e.TX-c.FL-NS-WI) |