Eleodes spiculifera
This record describes Eleodes spiculifera (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
last line in key: Integument dull, opaque; basal three protarsomeres of male with pads or tufts of golden setae on plantar surface
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
Habitat
sandy oak woodland
Geographic Range
known from 4 counties in ne TX: Anderson, Freestone, Leon, Montague
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eleodes (Promus) spiculifera Triplehorn 2007
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eleodes spiculifera. 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 spiculifera (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Eleodes spiculifera
What is Eleodes spiculifera?
Eleodes spiculifera is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eleodes spiculifera?
14-17 mm
How do you identify Eleodes spiculifera?
last line in key: Integument dull, opaque; basal three protarsomeres of male with pads or tufts of golden setae on plantar surface
Where is Eleodes spiculifera found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | sandy oak woodland |
| Range | known from 4 counties in ne TX: Anderson, Freestone, Leon, Montague |