ColeopteraElateridae – Click Beetles

Paradonus obliquatulus

This record describes Paradonus obliquatulus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Paradonus obliquatulus - Paradonus obliquatulus
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

transverse yellow band on elytron distinctive among our spp.

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

so. ON & ne US to central plains

Diet and Behavior

Life History

collected from corn roots, blue stem grass, trash, and under boards

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Paradonus obliquatulus (Melsheimer)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paradonus obliquatulus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Paradonus obliquatulus (3)

Paradonus obliquatulus - photo 1
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Paradonus obliquatulus - photo 2
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Paradonus obliquatulus - photo 3
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Paradonus obliquatulus

What is Paradonus obliquatulus?

Paradonus obliquatulus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.

How do you identify Paradonus obliquatulus?

transverse yellow band on elytron distinctive among our spp.

Where is Paradonus obliquatulus found?

Range: so. ON & ne US to central plains

What is the life cycle of a Paradonus obliquatulus?

collected from corn roots, blue stem grass, trash, and under boards

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.