Teretrius orbus
This record describes Teretrius orbus (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
a strange species with body form more like a Teretriosoma . The impressed humeral striae are also diagnostic for this species, and are absent from most other Teretrius in the US. (per William B. Warner, 17 July, 2012) Type Locality: Pantaleón, Guatemala
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Abraeinae
- Tribe
- Teretriini
- Genus
- Teretrius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. TX to C. Amer. - Map , 13 modern records from RGV , plus singleton historical records from c. TX and AZ
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Teretrius orbus. 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 Teretrius orbus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by William B. Warner; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Teretrius orbus
What is Teretrius orbus?
Teretrius orbus is a species in the family Histeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Teretrius orbus?
2 mm (Lewis, 1888)
How do you identify Teretrius orbus?
a strange species with body form more like a Teretriosoma . The impressed humeral striae are also diagnostic for this species, and are absent from most other Teretrius in the US. (per William B. Warner, 17 July, 2012)
Where is Teretrius orbus found?
Range: s. TX to C. Amer. - Map , 13 modern records from RGV , plus singleton historical records from c. TX and AZ