Tropicus pusillus
This record describes Tropicus pusillus (species). Recorded family: Heteroceridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the elytra are orange laterally and share a faint medial brown stripe that covers about one-third of the surface; easily distinguished from other se.US heterocerids by color pattern one of the most common and widespread heterocerids in the Western Hemisphere, the most commonly collected heterocerid in e. US - 2 in. pile of this sp. below a UV light
Wikipedia reference for Tropicus pusillus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropicus_pusillus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Dryopoidea
- Family
- Heteroceridae (Variegated Mud-loving Beetles)
- Genus
- Tropicus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
along with Heterocerus mollinus , the only heterocerid in the se. US often collected from non-riverine environments (e.g. roadside ditches)
Geographic Range
e NA to AZ to Panama & Cuba - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-Sept ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Despite its abundance, virtually nothing is known of its biology
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tropicus pusillus (Say 1823)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tropicus pusillus. 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 Tropicus pusillus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Ken Childs
Frequently Asked Questions About Tropicus pusillus
What is Tropicus pusillus?
Tropicus pusillus is a species in the family Heteroceridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tropicus pusillus?
2.3‒3.0 mm
How do you identify Tropicus pusillus?
the elytra are orange laterally and share a faint medial brown stripe that covers about one-third of the surface; easily distinguished from other se.US heterocerids by color pattern
Where is Tropicus pusillus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | along with Heterocerus mollinus , the only heterocerid in the se. US often collected from non-riverine environments (e.g. roadside ditches) |
| Range | e NA to AZ to Panama & Cuba - Map |
When is Tropicus pusillus active?
Tropicus pusillus: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-Sept ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Tropicus pusillus?
Despite its abundance, virtually nothing is known of its biology