Pelecotoides schaefferi
This record describes Pelecotoides schaefferi (species). Recorded family: Ripiphoridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas. commonly coll'ed at UV lights at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Rio Hondo, Cameron Co., TX ( 6 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Ripiphoridae (Wedge-shaped Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ptilophorinae
- Genus
- Pelecotoides
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coll'ed by beating trees ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Geographic Range
s.TX (n. at at least to Kingsville)- Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
one spmn coll'ed beating mesquite ( Prosopis )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pelecotoides schaefferi (Rivnay)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pelecotoides schaefferi. 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 Pelecotoides schaefferi (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , egordon88
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelecotoides schaefferi
What is Pelecotoides schaefferi?
Pelecotoides schaefferi is a species in the family Ripiphoridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pelecotoides schaefferi?
5.5-9.5 mm
Where is Pelecotoides schaefferi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coll'ed by beating trees ( 4 ) ( 5 ) |
| Range | s.TX (n. at at least to Kingsville)- Map |
What is the life cycle of a Pelecotoides schaefferi?
one spmn coll'ed beating mesquite ( Prosopis )