Epitragosoma arenarium
This record describes Epitragosoma arenarium (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Texas considers this a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) ( 5 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Pimeliinae
- Tribe
- Epitragini
- Genus
- Epitragosoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Locally abundant in the Llano Estacado area of western Texas on stems of Havard's Panicgrass - Panicum havardii ( 3 )
Geographic Range
se. NM and adjacent TX - Map
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Sep ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epitragosoma arenarium Brown & Triplehorn 2002
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epitragosoma arenarium. 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 Epitragosoma arenarium (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Keith Bayless; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Epitragosoma arenarium
What is Epitragosoma arenarium?
Epitragosoma arenarium is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Epitragosoma arenarium found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Locally abundant in the Llano Estacado area of western Texas on stems of Havard's Panicgrass - Panicum havardii ( 3 ) |
| Range | se. NM and adjacent TX - Map |
When is Epitragosoma arenarium active?
Epitragosoma arenarium: seasonal activity - Jul-Sep ( 4 ).