ColeopteraTenebrionidae – Darkling Beetles

Lobopoda nigrans

This record describes Lobopoda nigrans (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Lobopoda nigrans - Lobopoda nigrans
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche

Has the smallest eyes of any Lobopoda north of Mexico: Seperated by about 1/5 width of head over eyes in male, vs. approx. by 1/3 in female. In the males of other Lobopoda , eyes (almost) touch in middle, the female condition resembles that found in male L. nigrans .

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Tenebrionoidea
Family
Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
Subfamily
Alleculinae
Genus
Lobopoda

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

e. US (MA-FL to so.MI-IL-ne.TX)

Seasonal Activity

Apr-Aug in the south, Jun-Jul in the north

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Lobopoda nigrans (Melsheimer 1846)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lobopoda nigrans. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Lobopoda nigrans (5)

Lobopoda nigrans - photo 1
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Lobopoda nigrans - photo 2
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Lobopoda nigrans - photo 3
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Lobopoda nigrans - photo 4
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Lobopoda nigrans - photo 5
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche

Frequently Asked Questions About Lobopoda nigrans

What is Lobopoda nigrans?

Lobopoda nigrans is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Lobopoda nigrans?

6.5-8.5 mm

How do you identify Lobopoda nigrans?

Has the smallest eyes of any Lobopoda north of Mexico: Seperated by about 1/5 width of head over eyes in male, vs. approx. by 1/3 in female. In the males of other Lobopoda , eyes (almost) touch in middle, the female condition resembles that found in male L. nigrans .

Where is Lobopoda nigrans found?

Range: e. US (MA-FL to so.MI-IL-ne.TX)

When is Lobopoda nigrans active?

Lobopoda nigrans: seasonal activity - Apr-Aug in the south, Jun-Jul in the north.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.