Edrotes leechi
This record describes Edrotes leechi (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Spatulate process on the first protarsomere is diagnostic
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Pimeliinae
- Tribe
- Edrotini
- Genus
- Edrotes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ CO UT , NM, possibly NV
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Edrotes leechi. 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 Edrotes leechi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by Chris Wirth , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Edrotes leechi
What is Edrotes leechi?
Edrotes leechi is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Edrotes leechi?
~5 mm
How do you identify Edrotes leechi?
Spatulate process on the first protarsomere is diagnostic
Where is Edrotes leechi found?
Range: AZ CO UT , NM, possibly NV