Vitellius texanus
This record describes Vitellius texanus (species). Recorded family: Eucnemidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
See Knull (1957) Type Locality: Bentsen-RGV State Park (Knull 1957) Holotype in collection of author, collected March 26, 1954, in Bentsen, Rio Grande Valley State Park, Hidalgo Co., Tex., by D. J. and J. N. Knull.
Identification notes
See Knull (1957)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Eucnemidae (False Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eucneminae
- Tribe
- Mesogenini
- Genus
- Vitellius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo and Cameron Co.) to Mexico - Map (E.G. Riley pers. comm., to MAQ 2010),
Seasonal Activity
March (Knull 1957),(BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Vitellius texanus Knull 1957
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Vitellius texanus. 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 Vitellius texanus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Vitellius texanus
What is Vitellius texanus?
Vitellius texanus is a species in the family Eucnemidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Vitellius texanus?
Length 4.6 mm.; width 1.7 mm. (Knull 1957)
How do you identify Vitellius texanus?
See Knull (1957)
Where is Vitellius texanus found?
Range: southmost TX (Hidalgo and Cameron Co.) to Mexico - Map (E.G. Riley pers. comm., to MAQ 2010),
When is Vitellius texanus active?
Vitellius texanus: seasonal activity - March (Knull 1957),(BG data).