Ctenicera pectinicornis
This record describes Ctenicera pectinicornis (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 14 to 17 mm. Large, unicolourous green metallic insect with very distinctive ridges running down the elytra and a sparse covering of hairs. A dipped line down the centre of the pronotum is present. Males have strongly toothed antennae that are longer then the head and pronotum, whilst females have simpler, shorter, segmented antennae. Ctenicera cuprea is very similar but males of this species don't have such extreme pectinate antennae. The females are more difficult to distinguish with C. cuprea having less pronounced dentate antennae and C. pectinicornis females having longer projections. A fairly wide distribution from northern England, down to Wales and Wiltshire in the south-west and Bedfordshire in the south-east. Most common in northern and western areas. Very scattered records in Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Ctenicera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Flower meadows on grasses and flowers.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A fairly wide distribution from northern England, down to Wales and Wiltshire in the south-west and Bedfordshire in the south-east. Most common in northern and western areas. Very scattered records in Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ctenicera pectinicornis. 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 Ctenicera pectinicornis (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ctenicera pectinicornis
What is Ctenicera pectinicornis?
Ctenicera pectinicornis is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ctenicera pectinicornis?
14 to 17 mm. Large, unicolourous green metallic insect with very distinctive ridges running down the elytra and a sparse covering of hairs. A dipped line down the centre of the pronotum is present. Males have strongly toothed antennae that are longer then the head and pronotum, whilst females have simpler, shorter, segmented antennae.
Where is Ctenicera pectinicornis found?
Habitat: Flower meadows on grasses and flowers.
When is Ctenicera pectinicornis active?
Ctenicera pectinicornis: seasonal activity - Spring and summer..