Texas Beetle
Brachypsectra fulva
This record describes Brachypsectra fulva (species). Recorded family: Brachypsectridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
poorly represented in collections, but Fleenor & Taber (1999) collected 50+ in light traps in Bastrop Co., TX
Wikipedia reference for Brachypsectra fulva: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachypsectra_fulva.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Brachypsectridae
- Genus
- Brachypsectra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
adults come to lights
Geographic Range
sw.US (c.CA to c. & n.TX) / nw. Mexico , one historical record from sw.UT: St.George (FSCA)
Seasonal Activity
Males collected from late May to mid-August ; Fleenor and Taber found that in Texas the flight period started on July 24 (8 adults in 2 blacklight traps), with subsequent weekends recording 38, 5, and 4 respectively; for nearly a month of activity. It is not known if beetles emerged at these times, or if rains triggered activity. (Woodruff 2004)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae are nonspecific ambush predators (remain inactive until approached by prey)
Life History
life cycle and number of instars (at least three) unknown but likely variable; some larvae have remained in captivity without feeding for 2 yrs ; larvae of various sizes were found year round under loblolly pine bark throughout Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co., TX (Fleenor, pers. comm. 2009)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachypsectra fulva LeConte 1874
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachypsectra fulva. 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 Texas Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Beetle
What is Texas Beetle?
Texas Beetle (Brachypsectra fulva) is a species in the family Brachypsectridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Texas Beetle?
Adult: ♂ 3.7-6.3 mm, ♀ 5-7.7 mm; larva: 15 mm
Where is Texas Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | adults come to lights |
| Range | sw.US (c.CA to c. & n.TX) / nw. Mexico , one historical record from sw.UT: St.George (FSCA) |
What does Texas Beetle eat?
The diet of the Texas Beetle includes larvae are nonspecific ambush predators (remain inactive until approached by prey).
When is Texas Beetle active?
Texas Beetle: seasonal activity - Males collected from late May to mid-August ; Fleenor and Taber found that in Texas the flight period started on July 24 (8 adults in 2 blacklight traps), with subsequent weekends recording 38, 5, and 4 respectively; for nearly a month of activity. It is not known if beetles emerged at these times, or if rains triggered activity. (Woodruff 2004).
What is the life cycle of a Texas Beetle?
life cycle and number of instars (at least three) unknown but likely variable; some larvae have remained in captivity without feeding for 2 yrs ; larvae of various sizes were found year round under loblolly pine bark throughout Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co., TX (Fleenor, pers. comm. 2009)