Asbolus mexicanus
This record describes Asbolus mexicanus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
From all our species, angularis differs in having the hind angles distinctly everted and the lateral margin in front of them slightly reflexed. Type Locality of A. m. angularis (Horn): El Paraíso, Baja California, Mexico
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Pimeliinae
- Tribe
- Cryptoglossini
- Genus
- Asbolus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.CA to sw.TX / n.Mex. - Map A. m. angularis (Horn) - s.CA-AZ & Baja, A. m. mexicanus (Champion) - NM-sw.TX & adjacent Mex.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Asbolus mexicanus (Champion 1884)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Asbolus mexicanus. 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 Asbolus mexicanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Asbolus mexicanus
What is Asbolus mexicanus?
Asbolus mexicanus is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Asbolus mexicanus?
From all our species, angularis differs in having the hind angles distinctly everted and the lateral margin in front of them slightly reflexed.
Where is Asbolus mexicanus found?
Range: s.CA to sw.TX / n.Mex. - Map A. m. angularis (Horn) - s.CA-AZ & Baja, A. m. mexicanus (Champion) - NM-sw.TX & adjacent Mex.