Araeodontia peninsularis
This record describes Araeodontia peninsularis (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
As in most maculate Cymatodera, peninsularis presents considerable varia- tion in color. One specimen has the elytra black with two, broad, indistinct ante-median fasciae, extending inward only slightly from the lateral margins, along with a pale subapical spot on each elytron. Another specimen has an elongate, brown scutellar spot along the suture and elongate, post-median spots along the suture and lateral margins of each testaceous elytron. Again, these represent the extremes of markings that have been found in this species, for all of the intergrading forms between these two are present in the rather small series examined. The third segment of the antenna also exhibits some variation. In certain specimens it is as long as the fourth segment, while in others it is distinctly shorter than the fourth segment. Type Locality: San Felipe, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tillinae
- Genus
- Araeodontia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.CA─w.TX / nw Mex. - Map , most records s.CA-AZ
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Araeodontia peninsularis (Schaeffer)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Araeodontia peninsularis. 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 Araeodontia peninsularis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Araeodontia peninsularis
What is Araeodontia peninsularis?
Araeodontia peninsularis is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Araeodontia peninsularis?
Length: 5.3 to 7.5 mm
How do you identify Araeodontia peninsularis?
As in most maculate Cymatodera, peninsularis presents considerable varia- tion in color. One specimen has the elytra black with two, broad, indistinct ante-median fasciae, extending inward only slightly from the lateral margins, along with a pale subapical spot on each elytron. Another specimen has an elongate, brown scutellar spot along the suture and elongate, post-median spots along the suture and lateral margins of each testaceous elytron. Again, these represent the extremes of markings that have been found in this species, for all of the intergrading forms between these two are present in the rather small series examined. The third segment of the antenna also exhibits some variation. In certain specimens it is as long as the fourth segment, while in others it is distinctly shorter than the fourth segment.
Where is Araeodontia peninsularis found?
Range: s.CA─w.TX / nw Mex. - Map , most records s.CA-AZ