Lithophorus ornatus
This record describes Lithophorus ornatus (species). Recorded family: Bothrideridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
each elytron w/ 3 translucent amber spots near middle Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Type Locality: Paso de San Juan, Jilotepec, Veracruz, Mexico
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Bothrideridae (Dry Bark Beetles)
- Tribe
- Bothriderini
- Genus
- Lithophorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coastal plain ( 4 )
Geographic Range
coastal TX (Houston) to Panama - Map
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Nov ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
a large series of adults reared from a small piece of Acacia , girdled by Oncideres (Cerambycidae) from Brownsville, Texas. also from Brownsville, a single spmn found in Parkinsonia ( 6 ) the reared specimens were predaceous on several species of Cerambycids, Geropa concolor (LeConte), Neocompsa mexicana (Thomson) and Obrium maculatum (Olivier). The cocoons were found under the bark in the larval mines of these hosts. ( 6 ) in addition, found under bark of dead Hackberry tree ( Celtis ) and found under bark of rotting Water Oak branch ( Quercus nigra ). (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lithophorus ornatus Arrow 1909
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lithophorus ornatus. 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 Lithophorus ornatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Lithophorus ornatus
What is Lithophorus ornatus?
Lithophorus ornatus is a species in the family Bothrideridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lithophorus ornatus?
4-5 mm
How do you identify Lithophorus ornatus?
each elytron w/ 3 translucent amber spots near middle Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Lithophorus ornatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coastal plain ( 4 ) |
| Range | coastal TX (Houston) to Panama - Map |
When is Lithophorus ornatus active?
Lithophorus ornatus: seasonal activity - Feb-Nov ( 5 ).
What is the life cycle of a Lithophorus ornatus?
a large series of adults reared from a small piece of Acacia , girdled by Oncideres (Cerambycidae) from Brownsville, Texas. also from Brownsville, a single spmn found in Parkinsonia ( 6 ) the reared specimens were predaceous on several species of Cerambycids, Geropa concolor (LeConte), Neocompsa mexicana (Thomson) and Obrium maculatum (Olivier). The cocoons were found under the bark in the larval mines of these hosts. ( 6 ) in addition, found under bark of dead Hackberry tree ( Celtis ) and found under bark of rotting Water Oak branch ( Quercus nigra ). (BG data)