Tetartopeus tetricus
This record describes Tetartopeus tetricus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Austin County, Texas; not Tex.: Austin; on the Colorado River above Columbus, Travis, Texas, United States as reported: Note, the type series of this sp. was collected by Schwarz who collected in and around Austin County , Texas. Schwarz is not known to have ever visited the City of Austin , Travis County, Texas.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Paederinae
- Tribe
- Lathrobiini
- Genus
- Tetartopeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA (QC-FL to ON-IA-TX) - Map , uncommon
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetartopeus tetricus Casey 1905
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tetartopeus tetricus. 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 Tetartopeus tetricus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , Thrasher