ColeopteraLycidae – Net-winged Beetles

Eropterus trilineatus

This record describes Eropterus trilineatus (species). Recorded family: Lycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Eropterus trilineatus - Eropterus trilineatus
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Identification notes

Dorsal habitus

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Elateroidea
Family
Lycidae (Net-winged Beetles)
Subfamily
Erotinae
Genus
Eropterus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

e NA - Map

Seasonal Activity

mostly Jun-Aug (BG data)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eropterus trilineatus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Eropterus trilineatus (2)

Eropterus trilineatus - photo 1
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Eropterus trilineatus - photo 2
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Eropterus trilineatus

How big is Eropterus trilineatus?

7 mm ( guide photo )

How do you identify Eropterus trilineatus?

Dorsal habitus

Where is Eropterus trilineatus found?

Range: e NA - Map

When is Eropterus trilineatus active?

Eropterus trilineatus: seasonal activity - mostly Jun-Aug (BG data).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.