Centronopus opacus
This record describes Centronopus opacus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
active at nights, on overcast days, and immediately after rainfall; none taken at lights or in FIT (Triplehorn & Stephan 1994); come to lights in cTX (i have a series taken at my porch lights. =v=)
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
oak-hickory-pine forests (Triplehorn & Stephan 1994)
Geographic Range
MT‒SD to TX‒AR
Seasonal Activity
late May‒Sep in cTX, based on my specimens. =v=
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Centronopus opacus. 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 Centronopus opacus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Centronopus opacus
What is Centronopus opacus?
Centronopus opacus is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Centronopus opacus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | oak-hickory-pine forests (Triplehorn & Stephan 1994) |
| Range | MT‒SD to TX‒AR |
When is Centronopus opacus active?
Centronopus opacus: seasonal activity - late May‒Sep in cTX, based on my specimens. =v=.