Tropisternus lateralis
This record describes Tropisternus lateralis (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Head, pronotum and elytra with yellow border (though the border can be quite narrow)
Wikipedia reference for Tropisternus lateralis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropisternus_lateralis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Hydrophiloidea
- Family
- Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydrophilinae
- Tribe
- Hydrophilini
- Genus
- Tropisternus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
common in brackish, temporary and permanent pools
Geographic Range
widely distributed throughout much of the Americas
Diet and Behavior
Diet: predator/herbivore (Moorhead et al. 1998)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tropisternus lateralis (Fabricius 1775)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tropisternus lateralis. 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 Tropisternus lateralis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Tropisternus lateralis
What is Tropisternus lateralis?
Tropisternus lateralis is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tropisternus lateralis?
7.5-10 mm
How do you identify Tropisternus lateralis?
Head, pronotum and elytra with yellow border (though the border can be quite narrow)
Where is Tropisternus lateralis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common in brackish, temporary and permanent pools |
| Range | widely distributed throughout much of the Americas |
What does Tropisternus lateralis eat?
The diet of the Tropisternus lateralis includes predator/herbivore (Moorhead et al. 1998).