ColeopteraTenebrionidae – Darkling Beetles

Dinomus spretus

This record describes Dinomus spretus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Dinomus spretus - Dinomus spretus
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov

Identification notes

syntype

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

Geographic Range

NV

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Dinomus spretus (Horn 1880)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dinomus spretus. 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 Dinomus spretus (4)

Dinomus spretus - photo 1
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Dinomus spretus - photo 2
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Dinomus spretus - photo 3
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Dinomus spretus - photo 4
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov

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

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