Paratenetus texanus
This record describes Paratenetus texanus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
can be distinguished from the similarly built P. punctatus and P. exutus in having the punctures on the pronotum sparser, not subcontigous even laterally, and from most adults of P. exutus by the subquadrate antennomere 8 and metaventrite of same color as the first two abdominal ventrites. Most specimens are also smaller than P. punctatus . among the most commonly coll'ed beetles (via beating and UV traps) at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Rio Hondo, Cameron Co., TX (listed as syn: Paratenetus punctatus )
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
broad coastal plains
Geographic Range
LA to ne. Mex. (Tamps), plus one from s. FL - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly Mar-Oct.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: coll'ed from legumes, elms, and yuccas
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Paratenetus texanus Bousquet & Bouchard 2014
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paratenetus texanus. 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 texanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Paratenetus texanus
What is Paratenetus texanus?
Paratenetus texanus is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Paratenetus texanus?
2.7–3.3 mm
How do you identify Paratenetus texanus?
can be distinguished from the similarly built P. punctatus and P. exutus in having the punctures on the pronotum sparser, not subcontigous even laterally, and from most adults of P. exutus by the subquadrate antennomere 8 and metaventrite of same color as the first two abdominal ventrites. Most specimens are also smaller than P. punctatus .
Where is Paratenetus texanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | broad coastal plains |
| Range | LA to ne. Mex. (Tamps), plus one from s. FL - Map |
What does Paratenetus texanus eat?
The diet of the Paratenetus texanus includes coll'ed from legumes, elms, and yuccas.
When is Paratenetus texanus active?
Paratenetus texanus: seasonal activity - mostly Mar-Oct..