Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle
Palaeoxenus dohrnii
This record describes Palaeoxenus dohrnii (species). Recorded family: Eucnemidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Bright blood red and black colorations, large size and Californian range will distinguish the species from all other Nearctic Eucnemidae. While searching for additional information for the genus on the internet, a website was found. An old insect collection was donated to Montana State University Insect collection. Palaeoxenus dohrnii was mentioned as one of the insects contained within the donated collection and noted the eucnemid is considered as an endangered species. However, I have researched for any state and federal lists, regarding endangered, threatened or species of concerns. Through any further research, none of these lists I have found, named Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle as an endangered or threatened species. The eucnemid is not listed on the species of concern list for the state of California either. The eucnemid is very endemic and rare within the state of California. As more information become available, only then one will know for sure if the species should afford protection status.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Eucnemidae (False Click Beetles)
- Genus
- Palaeoxenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Typically found in remote mountainous forest lands consisting of incense cedar, ponderosa pine and sugar pine. Both adults and larvae were found beneath bark near the base of a stump.
Geographic Range
Endemic in Southern California. The species has been collected in several mountain ranges in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are observed in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Comments
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Palaeoxenus dohrnii. 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 Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Robert Otto
Frequently Asked Questions About Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle
What is Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle?
Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle (Palaeoxenus dohrnii) is a species in the family Eucnemidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle?
13-19 mm long
How do you identify Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle?
Bright blood red and black colorations, large size and Californian range will distinguish the species from all other Nearctic Eucnemidae.
Where is Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Typically found in remote mountainous forest lands consisting of incense cedar, ponderosa pine and sugar pine. Both adults and larvae were found beneath bark near the base of a stump. |
| Range | Endemic in Southern California. The species has been collected in several mountain ranges in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas. |
When is Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle active?
Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults are observed in May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Dohrn's Elegant Eucnemid Beetle?
Comments