Eleodes mirabilis
This record describes Eleodes mirabilis (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinctive, each elytron with sutural and three discal costae, intervals between which are usually coated with clay-like material causing the shiny costae to stand out in bold relief PARATYPE (male) rare in collections, known from the Mexican states of Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas. The only Texas record is one specimen collected at Comstock in Val Verde County.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Blaptinae
- Tribe
- Amphidorini
- Genus
- Eleodes (Desert Stink Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Val Verde Co., TX (1 spmn) / ne Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eleodes mirabilis Triplehorn, 2007
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eleodes mirabilis. 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 Eleodes mirabilis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Eleodes mirabilis
What is Eleodes mirabilis?
Eleodes mirabilis is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eleodes mirabilis?
30-32 mm
How do you identify Eleodes mirabilis?
distinctive, each elytron with sutural and three discal costae, intervals between which are usually coated with clay-like material causing the shiny costae to stand out in bold relief PARATYPE (male)
Where is Eleodes mirabilis found?
Range: Val Verde Co., TX (1 spmn) / ne Mex. - Map