Lachnodactyla texana
This record describes Lachnodactyla texana (species). Recorded family: Ptilodactylidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas (Schaeffer 1906) Texas considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Dryopoidea
- Family
- Ptilodactylidae (Toe-winged Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ptilodactylinae
- Genus
- Lachnodactyla
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron & Hidalgo cos.) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: March, April, May, October.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lachnodactyla texana Schaeffer 1906
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lachnodactyla texana. 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 Lachnodactyla texana (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Lachnodactyla texana
What is Lachnodactyla texana?
Lachnodactyla texana is a species in the family Ptilodactylidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lachnodactyla texana?
Length 4.8-5.9 mm.
Where is Lachnodactyla texana found?
Range: southmost TX (Cameron & Hidalgo cos.) - Map
When is Lachnodactyla texana active?
Lachnodactyla texana: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: March, April, May, October..