Sphaeroderus indianae
This record describes Sphaeroderus indianae (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
~10 elytral striae. Pronotum scarcely punctate at base, lacking the transverse basal impression usually present in S. stenostomus . Rare.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Carabinae
- Tribe
- Cychrini
- Genus
- Sphaeroderus (Small Snail Eating Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
IN, KY, MS, OH, TN, VA, WV
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphaeroderus indianae (Blatchley 1910)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphaeroderus indianae. 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 Sphaeroderus indianae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Thrasher
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphaeroderus indianae
What is Sphaeroderus indianae?
Sphaeroderus indianae is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sphaeroderus indianae?
11-12mm
How do you identify Sphaeroderus indianae?
~10 elytral striae. Pronotum scarcely punctate at base, lacking the transverse basal impression usually present in S. stenostomus .
Where is Sphaeroderus indianae found?
Range: IN, KY, MS, OH, TN, VA, WV