Pelecotoma flavipes
This record describes Pelecotoma flavipes (species). Recorded family: Ripiphoridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pelecotoma flavipes (Pelecotoma flavipes) is a species in the family Ripiphoridae, commonly known as wedge-shaped beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Pelecotominae, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Tenebrionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Pelecotoma. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 4.0‒5.5 mm. It is found in mostly on exposed dead wood exhibiting anobiid activity.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Ripiphoridae (Wedge-shaped Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Pelecotominae
- Genus
- Pelecotoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
mostly on exposed dead wood exhibiting anobiid activity ( 4 )
Geographic Range
e.NA (NB‒SC to MB)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
parasitoids of Ptilinus larvae ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pelecotoma flavipes Melsheimer 1846
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pelecotoma flavipes. 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 Pelecotoma flavipes (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelecotoma flavipes
What is Pelecotoma flavipes?
Pelecotoma flavipes is a species in the family Ripiphoridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pelecotoma flavipes?
4.0‒5.5 mm
Where is Pelecotoma flavipes found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mostly on exposed dead wood exhibiting anobiid activity ( 4 ) |
| Range | e.NA (NB‒SC to MB) |
What is the life cycle of a Pelecotoma flavipes?
parasitoids of Ptilinus larvae ( 4 )