Tule Beetle
Tanystoma maculicolle
This record describes Tanystoma maculicolle (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wings are dimorphic. At dusk, usually after rain in the fall, beetles may enter houses in large numbers.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Platynini
- Genus
- Tanystoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
typically breeds in the tule or bulrush ( Scirpus ) marshes along rivers
Geographic Range
Southern Oregon and much of California
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tanystoma maculicolle (Dejean 1828)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tanystoma maculicolle. 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 Tule Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Bug Eric , Bbarnd , v belov , Hisserdude
Frequently Asked Questions About Tule Beetle
What is Tule Beetle?
Tule Beetle (Tanystoma maculicolle) is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tule Beetle?
8–10 mm
Where is Tule Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | typically breeds in the tule or bulrush ( Scirpus ) marshes along rivers |
| Range | Southern Oregon and much of California |