Hymenorus prolixus 0
Hymenorus prolixus
This record describes Hymenorus prolixus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Geographic Range
sw US (se.CA to s.TX, s.NV-UT) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
found in Little Gem Cave No. 1. Comal Co., TX. This species is tentatively considered to be a troglophile. The presence of larvae of alleculids indicates it may be completing its life cycle in caves. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hymenorus prolixus Casey, 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hymenorus prolixus. 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.