Sphindus americanus complex
Sphindus americanus
This record describes Sphindus americanus (species). Recorded family: Sphindidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Holotype There are several undescribed, cryptic species in that complex. I have been leaving them as ' Sphindus nr. americanus ' or ' S. americanus ?' until I can revise that genus. ‒ Joe McHugh's comment
Identification notes
Holotype
Wikipedia reference for Sphindus americanus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphindus_americanus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Sphindidae (Cryptic Slime Mold Beetles)
- Genus
- Sphindus (Cryptic Slime Mold Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental (BC‒NB to TX‒FL)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphindus americanus LeConte 1866
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphindus americanus. 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 Sphindus americanus complex (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphindus americanus complex
What is Sphindus americanus complex?
Sphindus americanus complex (Sphindus americanus) is a species in the family Sphindidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sphindus americanus complex?
1.5‒2.5 mm
How do you identify Sphindus americanus complex?
Holotype
Where is Sphindus americanus complex found?
Range: transcontinental (BC‒NB to TX‒FL)