Cenophengus pallidus
This record describes Cenophengus pallidus (species). Recorded family: Phengodidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The male is a soft, delicate, very pale yellowish beetle with short dehiscent elytra that do not fully cover the abdomen and leave the hind wings broadly exposed. Antennae bipectinate. Females unknown. Texas considers this sp. a SGCN
Wikipedia reference for Cenophengus pallidus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenophengus_pallidus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Phengodidae (Glowworm Beetles)
- Tribe
- Mastinocerini
- Genus
- Cenophengus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. TX (Bexar to Cameron county) - Map
Seasonal Activity
collecting events by month: Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Sep Oct
Diet and Behavior
Life History
One specimen labeled as "luminous on ceiling"
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cenophengus pallidus Schaeffer 1904
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cenophengus pallidus. 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 Cenophengus pallidus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cenophengus pallidus
What is Cenophengus pallidus?
Cenophengus pallidus is a species in the family Phengodidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cenophengus pallidus?
4-5 mm
How do you identify Cenophengus pallidus?
The male is a soft, delicate, very pale yellowish beetle with short dehiscent elytra that do not fully cover the abdomen and leave the hind wings broadly exposed. Antennae bipectinate. Females unknown.
Where is Cenophengus pallidus found?
Range: s. TX (Bexar to Cameron county) - Map
When is Cenophengus pallidus active?
Cenophengus pallidus: seasonal activity - collecting events by month: Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Sep Oct.
What is the life cycle of a Cenophengus pallidus?
One specimen labeled as luminous on ceiling