Xanthopygus xanthopygus
This record describes Xanthopygus xanthopygus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The elytra are rather densely hairy. The head and thorax are provided with a few hairs, arising from the large punctures scattered irregularly over their surfaces. Both sexes of X. xanthopygus can be easily distinguished from other species due to the densely punctate pronotum, typically with three rows of punctures on each half beside median line (other species with two rows or less). (Chatzimanolis, 2022)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Staphylininae
- Tribe
- Staphylinini
- Genus
- Xanthopygus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
rotten cacti , Under decomposing " Cereus " Collected in desert, oak and tropical woodlands (elevations 5–1350m) using UV lights, and hand collected under bark, from rotting prickly pear cacti or saguaro cacti, under rotting mangoes and breadfruit, as well as under carrion and baited pitfall traps. (Chatzimanolis, 2022)
Geographic Range
AZ & TX to Nicaragua - Map (Chatzimanolis, 2022) , rare
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xanthopygus xanthopygus (Nordmann)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthopygus xanthopygus. 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 Xanthopygus xanthopygus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthopygus xanthopygus
What is Xanthopygus xanthopygus?
Xanthopygus xanthopygus is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Xanthopygus xanthopygus?
The elytra are rather densely hairy. The head and thorax are provided with a few hairs, arising from the large punctures scattered irregularly over their surfaces. Both sexes of X. xanthopygus can be easily distinguished from other species due to the densely punctate pronotum, typically with three rows of punctures on each half beside median line (other species with two rows or less). (Chatzimanolis, 2022)
Where is Xanthopygus xanthopygus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | rotten cacti , Under decomposing Cereus Collected in desert, oak and tropical woodlands (elevations 5–1350m) using UV lights, and hand collected under bark, from rotting prickly pear cacti or saguaro cacti, under rotting mangoes and breadfruit, as well as under carrion and baited pitfall traps. (Chatzimanolis, 2022) |
| Range | AZ & TX to Nicaragua - Map (Chatzimanolis, 2022) , rare |