Lobometopon fusiforme
This record describes Lobometopon fusiforme (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
In this lighting, you can see the faint hint of costae (ridges) running lengthwise along the elytra, and an almost-impunctate dorsal midline on the pronotum. I noticed the same thing in several NMNH specimens of this species. (per. Jason Botz)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Pimeliinae
- Tribe
- Epitragini
- Genus
- Lobometopon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
L. f. cribricolle SD-TX-NM & Mexico (NL), L. f. fusiforme AZ & Mexico (SO), L. f. uintanum NV-AZ to UT-NM
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lobometopon fusiforme Casey 1890
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lobometopon fusiforme. 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 Lobometopon fusiforme (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by James Bailey
Frequently Asked Questions About Lobometopon fusiforme
What is Lobometopon fusiforme?
Lobometopon fusiforme is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Lobometopon fusiforme?
In this lighting, you can see the faint hint of costae (ridges) running lengthwise along the elytra, and an almost-impunctate dorsal midline on the pronotum. I noticed the same thing in several NMNH specimens of this species. (per. Jason Botz)
Where is Lobometopon fusiforme found?
Range: L. f. cribricolle SD-TX-NM & Mexico (NL), L. f. fusiforme AZ & Mexico (SO), L. f. uintanum NV-AZ to UT-NM