Eleodes tricostata
This record describes Eleodes tricostata (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the most common and widespread member of the genus; garden and wheat pest The gender of Eleodes is feminine , so adjectivic species names end -is or -a, not -um.
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
c. NA (MB-NT to AZ-TX) / Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
common on ant mounds, not bothered by ants (Brush Freeman, pers. obs. 2013)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: tricostata = 'three-ribbed'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eleodes tricostata. 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 tricostata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Eleodes tricostata
What is Eleodes tricostata?
Eleodes tricostata is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eleodes tricostata?
13-23 mm
Where is Eleodes tricostata found?
Range: c. NA (MB-NT to AZ-TX) / Mex. - Map
What is the life cycle of a Eleodes tricostata?
common on ant mounds, not bothered by ants (Brush Freeman, pers. obs. 2013)