Tropisternus quadristriatus
This record describes Tropisternus quadristriatus (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Uniformly dark, legs pale, metafemur with large basal pubescent patch • syntype
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
Coastal, brackish water
Geographic Range
entire Atlantic (incl. Gulf) Coast of U.S.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tropisternus quadristriatus Horn 1871
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tropisternus quadristriatus. 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 quadristriatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Tropisternus quadristriatus
What is Tropisternus quadristriatus?
Tropisternus quadristriatus is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Tropisternus quadristriatus?
Uniformly dark, legs pale, metafemur with large basal pubescent patch • syntype
Where is Tropisternus quadristriatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Coastal, brackish water |
| Range | entire Atlantic (incl. Gulf) Coast of U.S. |