ColeopteraTenebrionidae – Darkling Beetles

Conoecus ovipennis

This record describes Conoecus ovipennis (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Conoecus ovipennis - Conoecus ovipennis
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Tenebrionoidea
Family
Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
Subfamily
Pimeliinae
Tribe
Epitragini
Genus
Conoecus

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

Habitat and Range

Habitat

common just about anywhere you find sand (in eastern 2/3 of Texas) (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2013)

Geographic Range

coastal plains of TX to sw LA - Map

Seasonal Activity

mostly: Mar-Oct

Diet and Behavior

Life History

they like Onagraceae on sand (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2013)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Conoecus ovipennis Horn 1885

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Conoecus ovipennis. 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 Conoecus ovipennis (2)

Conoecus ovipennis - photo 1
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Conoecus ovipennis - photo 2
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Conoecus ovipennis

Where is Conoecus ovipennis found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatcommon just about anywhere you find sand (in eastern 2/3 of Texas) (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2013)
Rangecoastal plains of TX to sw LA - Map
When is Conoecus ovipennis active?

Conoecus ovipennis: seasonal activity - mostly: Mar-Oct.

What is the life cycle of a Conoecus ovipennis?

they like Onagraceae on sand (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2013)

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

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.