Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle
Stygoparnus comalensis
This record describes Stygoparnus comalensis (species). Recorded family: Dryopidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
vestigial (non-functional) eyes, weakly pigmented, translucent, and thin-skinned. Federally listed endangered species in 1997 , Texas Parks & Wildlife considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) first collected in 1987 and described as a new genus and species in 1992 by Barr (California State University) and Spangler (National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution).
Wikipedia reference for Stygoparnus comalensis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stygoparnus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Dryopoidea
- Family
- Dryopidae (Long-toed Water Beetles)
- Genus
- Stygoparnus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Dryopid beetles live primarily in flowing, uncontaminated waters. This species is the first subterranean aquatic member of its family to be discovered (Barr and Spangler 1992). Although larvae have been collected in drift nets positioned over the spring openings, they are presumed to be associated with air-filled voids inside the spring orifices since all other known dryopid larvae are terrestrial. The Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle does not swim, and it may have a rather restricted range within the Edwards Aquifer.
Geographic Range
Comal springs, Comal Co., and Fern Bank springs, Hays Co., TX - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stygoparnus comalensis Barr and Spangler 1992
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stygoparnus comalensis. 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 Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle
What is Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle?
Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle (Stygoparnus comalensis) is a species in the family Dryopidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle?
Adults ~3.0-3.7 mm long
How do you identify Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle?
vestigial (non-functional) eyes, weakly pigmented, translucent, and thin-skinned.
Where is Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Dryopid beetles live primarily in flowing, uncontaminated waters. This species is the first subterranean aquatic member of its family to be discovered (Barr and Spangler 1992). Although larvae have been collected in drift nets positioned over the spring openings, they are presumed to be associated with air-filled voids inside the spring orifices since all other known dryopid larvae are terrestrial. The Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle does not swim, and it may have a rather restricted range within the Edwards Aquifer. |
| Range | Comal springs, Comal Co., and Fern Bank springs, Hays Co., TX - Map |