Actenodes mendax
This record describes Actenodes mendax (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
AZ-TX - Map , most records from se.NM-TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in honeylocust ( Gleditsia triacanthos ) and honey mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa ), Fabaceae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Actenodes mendax Horn 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Actenodes mendax. 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 mendax (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Actenodes mendax
How big is Actenodes mendax?
11 mm
Where is Actenodes mendax found?
Range: AZ-TX - Map , most records from se.NM-TX
What does Actenodes mendax eat?
The diet of the Actenodes mendax includes Larvae in honeylocust ( Gleditsia triacanthos ) and honey mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa ), Fabaceae.