Loberus ornatus
This record describes Loberus ornatus (species). Recorded family: Erotylidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Disc of pronotum dark. Large blackish spot at base of elytra and broad blackish median fascia reaching to the sides and up to the humeri. Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 I have taken this beetle by random beating in the Sabal Palm Grove, and especially by beating dense tangles of vines and consider it fairly common (E. G. Riley, pers. obser., June 2008). Type Locality: Brownsville, Texas (Esperanza Ranch) (Schaeffer 1904) Texas considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) ( 5 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Erotylidae (Pleasing Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Xenoscelinae
- Genus
- Loberus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.) / ne. Mexico (Tamps) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: April, May, June, July, October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Members of the Xenoscelinae display a broad range of food habits. A few are phytophagous, but most are associated with decaying plant materials and are either saprophagous or mycophagous.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Loberus ornatus Schaeffer 1904
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Loberus 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 Loberus ornatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Loberus ornatus
What is Loberus ornatus?
Loberus ornatus is a species in the family Erotylidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Loberus ornatus?
Length 2.0-2.6 mm
How do you identify Loberus ornatus?
Disc of pronotum dark. Large blackish spot at base of elytra and broad blackish median fascia reaching to the sides and up to the humeri. Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Loberus ornatus found?
Range: southmost TX (Cameron Co.) / ne. Mexico (Tamps) - Map
When is Loberus ornatus active?
Loberus ornatus: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: April, May, June, July, October..
What is the life cycle of a Loberus ornatus?
Members of the Xenoscelinae display a broad range of food habits. A few are phytophagous, but most are associated with decaying plant materials and are either saprophagous or mycophagous.