Octinodes gracilior
This record describes Octinodes gracilior (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This graceful species because of its shining appearance, more or less cylindrical prothorax, with coarse yet well spaced punctures and contrasting coloration, stands well apart from our California species. note that the reddish pronotum varies to brown and even nearly black (P.J. Johnson, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2016) Type Locality: Van Horn, Texas, June 24, 1942.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cebrioninae
- Tribe
- Aplastini
- Genus
- Octinodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se NM to w. TX (P.J. Johnson, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2016)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: gracilior (L). 'slender'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Octinodes gracilior. 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 Octinodes gracilior (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Octinodes gracilior
What is Octinodes gracilior?
Octinodes gracilior is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Octinodes gracilior?
11mm (type)
How do you identify Octinodes gracilior?
This graceful species because of its shining appearance, more or less cylindrical prothorax, with coarse yet well spaced punctures and contrasting coloration, stands well apart from our California species. note that the reddish pronotum varies to brown and even nearly black (P.J. Johnson, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2016)
Where is Octinodes gracilior found?
Range: se NM to w. TX (P.J. Johnson, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2016)