Hymenorus densus
This record describes Hymenorus densus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley, 2011 Type Locality: Florida
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley, 2011
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Alleculinae
- Genus
- Hymenorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coastal plains
Geographic Range
coastal s.TX-s.FL-e.SC / Bahamas / Mex. - Map , mostly coastal TX & peninsular FL
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The beetle consumes moth larvae and therefore, results in increased seed production for the yucca. (Segraves, 2008) Hymenorus densus , a florivorous tenebrionid beetle, is a common visitor of Adam's Needle ( Yucca filamentosa , Agavaceae) flowers in Florida (Brues 1926). The beetles mate and feed within the flowers and have been observed consuming floral tissue: in particular, the style. (Segraves, 2008) a frequent visitor of Y. filamentosa flowers. Adults feed and mate within the flowers and can occur in very high densities. Brues (1926) discovered their peculiar aggregation behavior, and rather than individually counting beetles, he determined the number of beetles in a gram and weighed a collection from one inflorescence. This extrapolation led to an estimate of 15,000 beetles on a single plant (emphasis added). The life history of this beetle is unknown, and I have never observed them feeding or resting on plants aside from Yucca. (Segraves, 2008)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hymenorus densus. 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 Hymenorus densus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Hymenorus densus
What is Hymenorus densus?
Hymenorus densus is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hymenorus densus?
6 mm (type)
How do you identify Hymenorus densus?
Det. E. G. Riley, 2011
Where is Hymenorus densus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coastal plains |
| Range | coastal s.TX-s.FL-e.SC / Bahamas / Mex. - Map , mostly coastal TX & peninsular FL |
What is the life cycle of a Hymenorus densus?
The beetle consumes moth larvae and therefore, results in increased seed production for the yucca. (Segraves, 2008) Hymenorus densus , a florivorous tenebrionid beetle, is a common visitor of Adam's Needle ( Yucca filamentosa , Agavaceae) flowers in Florida (Brues 1926). The beetles mate and feed within the flowers and have been observed consuming floral tissue: in particular, the style. (Segraves, 2008) a frequent visitor of Y. filamentosa flowers. Adults feed and mate within the flowers and can occur in very high densities. Brues (1926) discovered their peculiar aggregation behavior, and rather than individually counting beetles, he determined the number of beetles in a gram and weighed a collection from one inflorescence. This extrapolation led to an estimate of 15,000 beetles on a single plant (emphasis added). The life history of this beetle is unknown, and I have never observed them feeding or resting on plants aside from Yucca. (Segraves, 2008)