ColeopteraTenebrionidae – Darkling Beetles

Paratenetus gibbipennis

This record describes Paratenetus gibbipennis (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Paratenetus gibbipennis - Paratenetus gibbipennis
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Elytra with very few, short erect setae males rare in collections (~4%)

Identification notes

Elytra with very few, short erect setae

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

Habitat

forest litter

Geographic Range

e. NA (ME-SC-AL to so.MB-c.TX) - Map

Seasonal Activity

year round, but mostly Mar-Oct

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Paratenetus gibbipennis Motschulsky 1868

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paratenetus gibbipennis. 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 Paratenetus gibbipennis (5)

Paratenetus gibbipennis - photo 1
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Paratenetus gibbipennis - photo 2
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Paratenetus gibbipennis - photo 3
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Paratenetus gibbipennis - photo 4
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Paratenetus gibbipennis - photo 5
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Paratenetus gibbipennis

What is Paratenetus gibbipennis?

Paratenetus gibbipennis is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Paratenetus gibbipennis?

2.5–3.2 mm

How do you identify Paratenetus gibbipennis?

Elytra with very few, short erect setae

Where is Paratenetus gibbipennis found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatforest litter
Rangee. NA (ME-SC-AL to so.MB-c.TX) - Map
When is Paratenetus gibbipennis active?

Paratenetus gibbipennis: seasonal activity - year round, but mostly Mar-Oct.

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

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