Bitoma vittata
This record describes Bitoma vittata (species). Recorded family: Zopheridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
diagnostic character: pronotum greatly explanate and distinctly narrowed basally uncommon
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Zopheridae (Ironclad Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Colydiinae
- Tribe
- Synchitini
- Genus
- Bitoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
palm forest ( 3 ) ,(BG data)
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.), + 1 historical record from Sanderson, TX - Map (TL: Brownsville)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bitoma vittata Schaeffer 1907
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bitoma vittata. 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 Bitoma vittata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Bitoma vittata
What is Bitoma vittata?
Bitoma vittata is a species in the family Zopheridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Bitoma vittata?
2.75 mm (Schaeffer 1907)
How do you identify Bitoma vittata?
diagnostic character: pronotum greatly explanate and distinctly narrowed basally
Where is Bitoma vittata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | palm forest ( 3 ) ,(BG data) |
| Range | southmost TX (Cameron Co.), + 1 historical record from Sanderson, TX - Map (TL: Brownsville) |