Enchodes sericea
This record describes Enchodes sericea (species). Recorded family: Melandryidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
tarsi not as elongate as in Synchroa , and no fine rows of tiny silvery hairs on elytra. --Doug Yanega, 16.vi.2008 one of my favorite Serropalpines... they are fun to watch at night on their rotting logs or tree limbs. They move very rapidly and if one tries to collect one rather casually, they will be disappointed... --Darren Pollock, 5.viii.2009
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Melandryidae (False Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melandryinae
- Tribe
- Melandryini
- Genus
- Enchodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
adults on dead, rotten conifer and hardwood limbs, snags, logs, and trunks; come to light
Geographic Range
northern transcontinental (NS-BC) + e. US south to GA-LA-ND
Seasonal Activity
adults active in summer
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Enchodes sericea (Haldemann 1848)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Enchodes sericea. 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 Enchodes sericea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Enchodes sericea
What is Enchodes sericea?
Enchodes sericea is a species in the family Melandryidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Enchodes sericea?
11-15 mm
How do you identify Enchodes sericea?
tarsi not as elongate as in Synchroa , and no fine rows of tiny silvery hairs on elytra. --Doug Yanega, 16.vi.2008
Where is Enchodes sericea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | adults on dead, rotten conifer and hardwood limbs, snags, logs, and trunks; come to light |
| Range | northern transcontinental (NS-BC) + e. US south to GA-LA-ND |
When is Enchodes sericea active?
Enchodes sericea: seasonal activity - adults active in summer.