Paranametis distincta
This record describes Paranametis distincta (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Apex of hind tibia with distinct, glabrous outer bevel; pronotal disc with distinctive structure of separate low nodules, each nodule with a central suberect, seta-like scale and surrounded by 5–6 distinct microfilamentous scales collected sweeping and beating low vegetation, particularly, but not exclusively, at night. No plant associations are known.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Byrsopagini
- Genus
- Paranametis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. NM to c. TX / Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Paranametis distincta Burke 1960
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paranametis distincta. 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 Paranametis distincta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Paranametis distincta
What is Paranametis distincta?
Paranametis distincta is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Paranametis distincta?
3.9–4.7 mm
How do you identify Paranametis distincta?
Apex of hind tibia with distinct, glabrous outer bevel; pronotal disc with distinctive structure of separate low nodules, each nodule with a central suberect, seta-like scale and surrounded by 5–6 distinct microfilamentous scales
Where is Paranametis distincta found?
Range: s. NM to c. TX / Mex. - Map