Pelonides quadripunctata
This record describes Pelonides quadripunctata (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
forebody (head+prothorax) is entirely black (individuals with any red marking on the forebody are P. quadrinotata )
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
Geographic Range
e US (OH-IL to KS-AL-TX) ; additional BugGuide records from NC , so should be looked for in SC, GA, etc. One iNaturalist record from Maryland.
Seasonal Activity
Mar-May (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults visit flowers of Pyracantha, Cornus, Crataegus, Prosopis, Prunus, Quercus can be locally abundant in the se US: "I've seen thousands on a single Photinia tree/bush at various localities." (J. MacGown, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2017)
Life History
Larvae have been reared from Black Walnut, Juglans nigra ( 3 ) .
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pelonides quadripunctata. 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 quadripunctata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelonides quadripunctata
What is Pelonides quadripunctata?
Pelonides quadripunctata is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pelonides quadripunctata?
4.5–8.0 mm
How do you identify Pelonides quadripunctata?
forebody (head+prothorax) is entirely black (individuals with any red marking on the forebody are P. quadrinotata )
Where is Pelonides quadripunctata found?
Range: e US (OH-IL to KS-AL-TX) ; additional BugGuide records from NC , so should be looked for in SC, GA, etc. One iNaturalist record from Maryland.
What does Pelonides quadripunctata eat?
The diet of the Pelonides quadripunctata includes Adults visit flowers of Pyracantha, Cornus, Crataegus, Prosopis, Prunus, Quercus can be locally abundant in the se US: I've seen thousands on a single Photinia tree/bush at various localities. (J. MacGown, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2017).
When is Pelonides quadripunctata active?
Pelonides quadripunctata: seasonal activity - Mar-May (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Pelonides quadripunctata?
Larvae have been reared from Black Walnut, Juglans nigra ( 3 ) .