Dioedus punctatus
This record describes Dioedus punctatus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Scutellum small, elytra without scutellar striae; antennal club with two or three anetennomeres --> Dioedus (only one NA sp.)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Phrenapatinae
- Genus
- Dioedus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"Decaying wood of Pinus spp., Ulmus americana and Quercus spp." ( 3 )
Geographic Range
e. US - Map ; e. US (CT-FL to WI-IL) ; iNaturalist record from SD
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dioedus punctatus LeConte 1866
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dioedus punctatus. 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 Dioedus punctatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kojun Kanda; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , Russell Rogers
Frequently Asked Questions About Dioedus punctatus
What is Dioedus punctatus?
Dioedus punctatus is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dioedus punctatus?
2.7-3.4 mm
How do you identify Dioedus punctatus?
Scutellum small, elytra without scutellar striae; antennal club with two or three anetennomeres --> Dioedus (only one NA sp.)
Where is Dioedus punctatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Decaying wood of Pinus spp., Ulmus americana and Quercus spp. ( 3 ) |
| Range | e. US - Map ; e. US (CT-FL to WI-IL) ; iNaturalist record from SD |