Neorthopleura thoracica
This record describes Neorthopleura thoracica (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotal disc is red and the lateral margins are narrowly black , overall color pattern is red and black Det. M. A. Quinn, 2016 the following is not true antennomeres entirely dark in N. thoracica , funicular segments paler in N. texana comes to lights
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Orthopleurinae
- Genus
- Neorthopleura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
dead, dying, or recently cut hardwoods (esp. oaks) infested with wood-boring beetles ( 4 )
Geographic Range
e NA (QC-FL to ON-IA-TX) - Map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Neorthopleura thoracica. 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 Neorthopleura thoracica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Neorthopleura thoracica
What is Neorthopleura thoracica?
Neorthopleura thoracica is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Neorthopleura thoracica?
2.7–11.0 mm
How do you identify Neorthopleura thoracica?
pronotal disc is red and the lateral margins are narrowly black , overall color pattern is red and black Det. M. A. Quinn, 2016 the following is not true antennomeres entirely dark in N. thoracica , funicular segments paler in N. texana
Where is Neorthopleura thoracica found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | dead, dying, or recently cut hardwoods (esp. oaks) infested with wood-boring beetles ( 4 ) |
| Range | e NA (QC-FL to ON-IA-TX) - Map |