Actenodes flexicaulis
This record describes Actenodes flexicaulis (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
posterior angles of pronotum converging vs. Actenodes calcarata Type series: Esperanza Ranch and S. Tomas [Sabal Palm Sanctuary], Brownsville, Tex. Four specimens in the Museum of the Brooklyn Institute. (Schaeffer 1904)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Buprestinae
- Tribe
- Actenodini
- Genus
- Actenodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Starr, Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) / Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
early Mar - early June (Vogt 1949)(BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: short series taken from branches of Ebenopsis ebano (= Acacia flexicaulis ) in which it undoubtedly breeds; no specimens were taken on any other tree. (Schaeffer 1904) also adult observed on Havardis pallens (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Actenodes flexicaulis Schaeffer 1904
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Actenodes flexicaulis. 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 Actenodes flexicaulis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Actenodes flexicaulis
What is Actenodes flexicaulis?
Actenodes flexicaulis is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Actenodes flexicaulis?
Length 7.50-10.25 mm (Schaeffer 1904)
How do you identify Actenodes flexicaulis?
posterior angles of pronotum converging vs. Actenodes calcarata
Where is Actenodes flexicaulis found?
Range: southmost TX (Starr, Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) / Mex. - Map
What does Actenodes flexicaulis eat?
The diet of the Actenodes flexicaulis includes short series taken from branches of Ebenopsis ebano (= Acacia flexicaulis ) in which it undoubtedly breeds; no specimens were taken on any other tree. (Schaeffer 1904) also adult observed on Havardis pallens (BG data).
When is Actenodes flexicaulis active?
Actenodes flexicaulis: seasonal activity - early Mar - early June (Vogt 1949)(BG data).