Lacon mexicanus
This record describes Lacon mexicanus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
last key couplet: Scales on dorsum mixed black and golden ; elytral usually has a post median scaleless band Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agrypninae
- Tribe
- Agrypnini
- Genus
- Lacon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coastal habitats
Geographic Range
s.FL-se.GA, coastal TX (Harris Co.) to C.Amer.
Seasonal Activity
May-Sept ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lacon mexicanus (Candèze 1857)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lacon mexicanus. 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 Lacon mexicanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , bmathison1972
Frequently Asked Questions About Lacon mexicanus
What is Lacon mexicanus?
Lacon mexicanus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lacon mexicanus?
14.0–19.0 mm
How do you identify Lacon mexicanus?
last key couplet: Scales on dorsum mixed black and golden ; elytral usually has a post median scaleless band Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
Where is Lacon mexicanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coastal habitats |
| Range | s.FL-se.GA, coastal TX (Harris Co.) to C.Amer. |
When is Lacon mexicanus active?
Lacon mexicanus: seasonal activity - May-Sept ( 3 ).