ColeopteraTenebrionidae – Darkling Beetles

Centronopus calcaratus

This record describes Centronopus calcaratus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Centronopus calcaratus - Centronopus calcaratus
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , v belov

Male has prominent blunt tooth on tibia :

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Tenebrionoidea
Family
Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
Subfamily
Tenebrioninae
Tribe
Centronopini
Genus
Centronopus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

under stones, logs, bark, etc. ( 4 )

Geographic Range

e NA (NS-FL to ON-NE-KS-LA) ( 3 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Centronopus calcaratus (Fabricius 1798)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Centronopus calcaratus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Centronopus calcaratus (5)

Centronopus calcaratus - photo 1
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , v belov
Centronopus calcaratus - photo 2
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , v belov
Centronopus calcaratus - photo 3
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , v belov
Centronopus calcaratus - photo 4
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , v belov
Centronopus calcaratus - photo 5
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Centronopus calcaratus

What is Centronopus calcaratus?

Centronopus calcaratus is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Centronopus calcaratus?

14-17 mm

How do you identify Centronopus calcaratus?

Male has prominent blunt tooth on tibia :

Where is Centronopus calcaratus found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatunder stones, logs, bark, etc. ( 4 )
Rangee NA (NS-FL to ON-NE-KS-LA) ( 3 )

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.