Diomus texanus
This record describes Diomus texanus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
external appearance distinctive PARATYPE
Identification notes
external appearance distinctive PARATYPE
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Diomini
- Genus
- Diomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coll'ed beating grey oak ( Quercus grisea ) and mesquite ( Prosopus glandulosa ) (both trees occur fairly widely across the sw US)
Geographic Range
w. TX - Map (Brewster Co.: Big Bend Nat'l Pk: Chisos Basin and Green Gulch, 5300 ft.; Jeff Davis Co.: Ft. Davis)
Seasonal Activity
May (based on 3 spmns)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Diomus texanus Gordon, 1976
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diomus texanus. 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 Diomus texanus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Diomus texanus
What is Diomus texanus?
Diomus texanus is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Diomus texanus?
1.64-1.82 mm
How do you identify Diomus texanus?
external appearance distinctive PARATYPE
Where is Diomus texanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coll'ed beating grey oak ( Quercus grisea ) and mesquite ( Prosopus glandulosa ) (both trees occur fairly widely across the sw US) |
| Range | w. TX - Map (Brewster Co.: Big Bend Nat'l Pk: Chisos Basin and Green Gulch, 5300 ft.; Jeff Davis Co.: Ft. Davis) |
When is Diomus texanus active?
Diomus texanus: seasonal activity - May (based on 3 spmns).