Paratenetus exutus
This record describes Paratenetus exutus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
best separated from P. punctatus and P. texanus in having the antennomere 8 transverse (only slightly transverse in some specimens from the south). The males are easily recognized in having no calcar on the protibia and a relatively long apical mesotibial spine, oriented more or less parallel to axis of tibia
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lagriinae
- Tribe
- Prateini
- Genus
- Paratenetus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (NS-FL to nw.AB & e.-c.TX)- Map
Seasonal Activity
most of the year (iii-xii)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Paratenetus exutus Bousquet & Bouchard 2014
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paratenetus exutus. 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 Paratenetus exutus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Paratenetus exutus
What is Paratenetus exutus?
Paratenetus exutus is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Paratenetus exutus?
2.5–3.0 mm
How do you identify Paratenetus exutus?
best separated from P. punctatus and P. texanus in having the antennomere 8 transverse (only slightly transverse in some specimens from the south). The males are easily recognized in having no calcar on the protibia and a relatively long apical mesotibial spine, oriented more or less parallel to axis of tibia
Where is Paratenetus exutus found?
Range: e. NA (NS-FL to nw.AB & e.-c.TX)- Map
When is Paratenetus exutus active?
Paratenetus exutus: seasonal activity - most of the year (iii-xii).