Paragrilus tenuis
This record describes Paragrilus tenuis (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Paragrilus tenuis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Paragrilus tenuis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paragrilus tenuis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agrilinae
- Tribe
- Agrilini
- Genus
- Paragrilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (NY-FL to MO-*TX) - Map (*per EGRiley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2011)
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Jul ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in Hibiscus spp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Paragrilus tenuis (LeConte 1863)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paragrilus tenuis. 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 Paragrilus tenuis (6)
Photo credits: (c) Kyle Warnecke, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Kyle Warnecke | (c) Allen Belden, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Allen Belden | (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Paragrilus tenuis
What is Paragrilus tenuis?
Paragrilus tenuis is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Paragrilus tenuis?
4-6 mm
Where is Paragrilus tenuis found?
Range: e US (NY-FL to MO-*TX) - Map (*per EGRiley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2011)
What does Paragrilus tenuis eat?
The diet of the Paragrilus tenuis includes Larvae in Hibiscus spp..
When is Paragrilus tenuis active?
Paragrilus tenuis: seasonal activity - Apr-Jul ( 3 ).