Stichtoptychus agonus
This record describes Stichtoptychus agonus (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX, coll'ed by C. H. Townsend (White 1980)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dorcatominae
- Tribe
- Prothecini
- Genus
- Stichtoptychus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stichtoptychus agonus Fall 1905
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stichtoptychus agonus. 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 Stichtoptychus agonus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Stichtoptychus agonus
What is Stichtoptychus agonus?
Stichtoptychus agonus is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Stichtoptychus agonus?
3.6 mm (White 1980)
Where is Stichtoptychus agonus found?
Range: southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )