Paradonus beckeri
This record describes Paradonus beckeri (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
body usually with a humeral spot on each elytron, sometimes a faint apical spot, spots rarely completely absent
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Negastriinae
- Genus
- Paradonus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA to c. TX, excluding the Deep South - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: pest of Blue Grass
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Paradonus beckeri Stibick 1990
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paradonus beckeri. 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 Paradonus beckeri (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Paradonus beckeri
What is Paradonus beckeri?
Paradonus beckeri is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Paradonus beckeri?
Body 2.5-3 mm in length
How do you identify Paradonus beckeri?
body usually with a humeral spot on each elytron, sometimes a faint apical spot, spots rarely completely absent
Where is Paradonus beckeri found?
Range: e NA to c. TX, excluding the Deep South - Map
What does Paradonus beckeri eat?
The diet of the Paradonus beckeri includes pest of Blue Grass.