Paratenetus punctatus
This record describes Paratenetus punctatus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
see Bousquet & Bouchard to separate spp.
Identification notes
see Bousquet & Bouchard to separate spp.
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
dead leaves, fallen branches, moldy plant debris, etc.; come to lights
Geographic Range
e. NA to edge of Great Plains (NB-FL to se.MB-e.TX) - Map
Seasonal Activity
most of the year (iii-xii)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Paratenetus punctatus Spinola 1844
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paratenetus punctatus. 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 punctatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Paratenetus punctatus
What is Paratenetus punctatus?
Paratenetus punctatus is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Paratenetus punctatus?
3.0-4.0 mm
How do you identify Paratenetus punctatus?
see Bousquet & Bouchard to separate spp.
Where is Paratenetus punctatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | dead leaves, fallen branches, moldy plant debris, etc.; come to lights |
| Range | e. NA to edge of Great Plains (NB-FL to se.MB-e.TX) - Map |
When is Paratenetus punctatus active?
Paratenetus punctatus: seasonal activity - most of the year (iii-xii).