Embaphion muricatum
This record describes Embaphion muricatum (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Blaptinae
- Tribe
- Amphidorini
- Genus
- Embaphion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Trogloxene in caves throughout the Edwards Plateau of central Texas
Geographic Range
AB-SK to CO-TX & ne Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Considerable damage has been wrought [...] by the larvae of Embaphion muricatum Say and related species of false wireworms to growing wheat and other field crops throughout the semiarid and middle western United States. (Wade & Boving 1921)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Embaphion muricatum (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Embaphion muricatum. 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 Embaphion muricatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chuck Entz; Additional contributions by ghanley1 , Mike Quinn , v belov