Pelonides granulatipennis
This record describes Pelonides granulatipennis (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elongate black, elytra covered with small granules, red with two large black spots on each side which are usually confluent. Elytra distinctly broader than the thorax at base. I have taken about 15 specimens of this fine species on the flowers of the mesquite, but only a few with the spots well defined, in the rest these are confluent and in some specimens the elytra is black with a narrow space at base and side margin red. (Schaeffer 1904) Det. E. G. Riley 2009 Type Locality: Brownsville, Tex. (Las Boragos). (Schaeffer 1904)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Enopliinae
- Genus
- Pelonides
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often taken on the flowers of the mesquite (Schaeffer 1904)
Geographic Range
AZ to s. TX / Mex. - Map , most records from s. TX
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pelonides granulatipennis. 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 Pelonides granulatipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelonides granulatipennis
What is Pelonides granulatipennis?
Pelonides granulatipennis is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pelonides granulatipennis?
3.8–7.5 mm
How do you identify Pelonides granulatipennis?
Elongate black, elytra covered with small granules, red with two large black spots on each side which are usually confluent. Elytra distinctly broader than the thorax at base. I have taken about 15 specimens of this fine species on the flowers of the mesquite, but only a few with the spots well defined, in the rest these are confluent and in some specimens the elytra is black with a narrow space at base and side margin red. (Schaeffer 1904) Det. E. G. Riley 2009
Where is Pelonides granulatipennis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Often taken on the flowers of the mesquite (Schaeffer 1904) |
| Range | AZ to s. TX / Mex. - Map , most records from s. TX |