Dinomus micans
This record describes Dinomus micans (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra with rainbow sheen, intervals flat
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tenebrioninae
- Tribe
- Helopini
- Genus
- Dinomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Under loose bark, on tree trunks, in leaf litter, under rotten logs; comes to lights
Geographic Range
e NA (QC‒GA‒AL to IL‒*MS) (*BG data)
Seasonal Activity
8.iv‒4.vii in VA , 16.iv‒1.ix in OH
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dinomus micans. 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 Dinomus micans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ethan Friedman; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dinomus micans
What is Dinomus micans?
Dinomus micans is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dinomus micans?
12‒19 mm
How do you identify Dinomus micans?
Elytra with rainbow sheen, intervals flat
Where is Dinomus micans found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Under loose bark, on tree trunks, in leaf litter, under rotten logs; comes to lights |
| Range | e NA (QC‒GA‒AL to IL‒*MS) (*BG data) |
When is Dinomus micans active?
Dinomus micans: seasonal activity - 8.iv‒4.vii in VA , 16.iv‒1.ix in OH.