Tropisternus natator
This record describes Tropisternus natator (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
widely confused with T. glaber and existing sources may not adequately diagnose the species
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
Geographic Range
eastern United States and southeastern Canada
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tropisternus natator Orchymont, 1938
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tropisternus natator. 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 natator (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Tropisternus natator
What is Tropisternus natator?
Tropisternus natator is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Tropisternus natator?
widely confused with T. glaber and existing sources may not adequately diagnose the species
Where is Tropisternus natator found?
Range: eastern United States and southeastern Canada