Megapenthes nigriceps
This record describes Megapenthes nigriceps (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The specimen described is a male and closely related to rufilabris from which it differs in color, longer antennal joints, coarser punctation of prothorax, relatively longer hind tarsal joints and rather deeply emarginate hind coxal plates. Both species, rufilabris and nigriceps have the hind angles of prothorax bicarinate Type Locality: Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Elaterinae
- Genus
- Megapenthes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.TX (n. to Kleberg Co.) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Megapenthes nigriceps Schaeffer, 1916
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Megapenthes nigriceps. 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 Megapenthes nigriceps (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Megapenthes nigriceps
What is Megapenthes nigriceps?
Megapenthes nigriceps is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Megapenthes nigriceps?
8 mm
How do you identify Megapenthes nigriceps?
The specimen described is a male and closely related to rufilabris from which it differs in color, longer antennal joints, coarser punctation of prothorax, relatively longer hind tarsal joints and rather deeply emarginate hind coxal plates. Both species, rufilabris and nigriceps have the hind angles of prothorax bicarinate
Where is Megapenthes nigriceps found?
Range: s.TX (n. to Kleberg Co.) - Map