Ababa tantilla
This record describes Ababa tantilla (species). Recorded family: Thanerocleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
densely, finely punctured head, small eyes, a pronotum that is more densely punctured than the head, and elytra that are densely punctured with the basal punctures larger than those of the pronotum and becoming smaller apically. Its body is entirely dull brown to dark brown.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Thanerocleridae
- Genus
- Ababa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (MA-FL to MO-TX) & Mexico - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
reared from touchwood (Polyporaceae: Fomes igniarius ) in Texas (Knull, 1951) reared from the shelf fungus Phellinus sp. (Polyporaceae) inhabited by Ciidae reared in TX from old bracket fungi
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ababa tantilla (LeConte 1865)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ababa tantilla. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ababa tantilla
What is Ababa tantilla?
Ababa tantilla is a species in the family Thanerocleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ababa tantilla?
1.8-2.6 mm
How do you identify Ababa tantilla?
densely, finely punctured head, small eyes, a pronotum that is more densely punctured than the head, and elytra that are densely punctured with the basal punctures larger than those of the pronotum and becoming smaller apically. Its body is entirely dull brown to dark brown.
Where is Ababa tantilla found?
Range: e. US (MA-FL to MO-TX) & Mexico - Map
What is the life cycle of a Ababa tantilla?
reared from touchwood (Polyporaceae: Fomes igniarius ) in Texas (Knull, 1951) reared from the shelf fungus Phellinus sp. (Polyporaceae) inhabited by Ciidae reared in TX from old bracket fungi