Heterobrenthus texanus
This record describes Heterobrenthus texanus (species). Recorded family: Brentidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Described by Schaeffer (1915) from two specimens collected by Ottomar Dietz and Herbert Spencer Barber . Type Locality attributed to Los Borregos (a still unlocated place name) near Brownsville, Texas. A hundred years later two more specimens were collected at Santa Ana NWR in southern Hidalgo Co., Texas. Texas considers this a SGCN ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Brentidae (Primitive Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Brentinae
- Tribe
- Brentini
- Genus
- Heterobrenthus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Globally known from 4 spmns, 2 from Hidalgo and 2 from Cameron counties in southmost Texas - Map ,(BG data),
Seasonal Activity
May, ~July ,(BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Where known, species of the subfamily Brentinae develop in living, dying or recently felled hardwood trees where larvae bore deep into the heartwood
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Heterobrenthus texanus Schaeffer 1915
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Heterobrenthus texanus. 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 Heterobrenthus texanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Heterobrenthus texanus
What is Heterobrenthus texanus?
Heterobrenthus texanus is a species in the family Brentidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Heterobrenthus texanus?
8-10.25 mm (Schaeffer 1915)
Where is Heterobrenthus texanus found?
Range: Globally known from 4 spmns, 2 from Hidalgo and 2 from Cameron counties in southmost Texas - Map ,(BG data),
When is Heterobrenthus texanus active?
Heterobrenthus texanus: seasonal activity - May, ~July ,(BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Heterobrenthus texanus?
Where known, species of the subfamily Brentinae develop in living, dying or recently felled hardwood trees where larvae bore deep into the heartwood