Drapetes niger
This record describes Drapetes niger (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
first joint of antennae pale (Schaeffer, 1916) immediately recognized in our fauna by its elongate shape and long cinereous pubescence giving a grizzled appearance, usually elytra with pubescence forming a band just posterior of mid-length.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lissominae
- Genus
- Drapetes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
southernmost coastal woodlands in Cameron Co., TX
Geographic Range
southmost TX to Panama
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Drapetes niger Bonvouloir 1859
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Drapetes niger. 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 Drapetes niger (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Drapetes niger
What is Drapetes niger?
Drapetes niger is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Drapetes niger?
3 mm
How do you identify Drapetes niger?
first joint of antennae pale (Schaeffer, 1916) immediately recognized in our fauna by its elongate shape and long cinereous pubescence giving a grizzled appearance, usually elytra with pubescence forming a band just posterior of mid-length.
Where is Drapetes niger found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | southernmost coastal woodlands in Cameron Co., TX |
| Range | southmost TX to Panama |