Bothrotes plumbeus
This record describes Bothrotes plumbeus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Lead-bronze, almost opaque, briefly gray-pubescent, head densely punctate, thorax almost half as wide, narrowed anteriorly, sides rounded, anterior angles subacute, not prolonged, densely subtly punctate; elytra densely punctate and wrinkled, barely obsolescently striated (translated from German) • Holotype
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Pimeliinae
- Tribe
- Epitragini
- Genus
- Bothrotes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w.US & Mexico; in our area, B. p. plumbeus CA to SD‒TX, B. p. tenebrosus AZ
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bothrotes plumbeus (LeConte 1886)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bothrotes plumbeus. 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 Bothrotes plumbeus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Bothrotes plumbeus
What is Bothrotes plumbeus?
Bothrotes plumbeus is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Bothrotes plumbeus?
Lead-bronze, almost opaque, briefly gray-pubescent, head densely punctate, thorax almost half as wide, narrowed anteriorly, sides rounded, anterior angles subacute, not prolonged, densely subtly punctate; elytra densely punctate and wrinkled, barely obsolescently striated (translated from German) • Holotype
Where is Bothrotes plumbeus found?
Range: w.US & Mexico; in our area, B. p. plumbeus CA to SD‒TX, B. p. tenebrosus AZ