Arthromacra pilosella
This record describes Arthromacra pilosella (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ciegler describes A. pilosella : Elongate, subcylindrical, slightly broader behind, shiny. Greenish or greenish coppery bronze; antennae, tibiae, and tarsi pale testaceous, abdomen dark bronze. Dorsal surface of pronotum and elytra with long, thin, dark setae. It appears that none of the other three species in the genus have the prominent setae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lagriinae
- Tribe
- Lagriini
- Genus
- Arthromacra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeastern and south-central United States, noted from Georgia, South Carolina, west to Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky ; mountains of North Carolina ; BugGuide records from Alabama , Arkansas .
Seasonal Activity
May-June
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Arthromacra pilosella. 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 Arthromacra pilosella (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthromacra pilosella
What is Arthromacra pilosella?
Arthromacra pilosella is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Arthromacra pilosella?
10-12 mm
How do you identify Arthromacra pilosella?
Ciegler describes A. pilosella : Elongate, subcylindrical, slightly broader behind, shiny. Greenish or greenish coppery bronze; antennae, tibiae, and tarsi pale testaceous, abdomen dark bronze. Dorsal surface of pronotum and elytra with long, thin, dark setae. It appears that none of the other three species in the genus have the prominent setae.
Where is Arthromacra pilosella found?
Range: Southeastern and south-central United States, noted from Georgia, South Carolina, west to Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky ; mountains of North Carolina ; BugGuide records from Alabama , Arkansas .
When is Arthromacra pilosella active?
Arthromacra pilosella: seasonal activity - May-June.