Cerophytum pulsator
This record describes Cerophytum pulsator (species). Recorded family: Cerophytidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Cerophytum pulsator: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerophytum_pulsator.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Cerophytidae (Rare Click Beetles)
- Genus
- Cerophytum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
usually mature deciduous forests; rotten wood/bark, leaf litter
Geographic Range
e. US (PA-FL to IL-OK) (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults are mostly active at night in spring and are collected at black light, in Malaise and Lindgren funnel traps, sweeping understory foliage. They can click and jump.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cerophytum pulsator (Haldeman 1845)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cerophytum pulsator. 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 Cerophytum pulsator (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cerophytum pulsator
How big is Cerophytum pulsator?
5.4-8.5 mm
Where is Cerophytum pulsator found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | usually mature deciduous forests; rotten wood/bark, leaf litter |
| Range | e. US (PA-FL to IL-OK) (BG data) |
What is the life cycle of a Cerophytum pulsator?
Adults are mostly active at night in spring and are collected at black light, in Malaise and Lindgren funnel traps, sweeping understory foliage. They can click and jump.