Pelonium maculicolle
This record describes Pelonium maculicolle (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 I have taken a considerable number of this species, which is in my experience the most common Clerid in this region. It occurred mostly on [Texas Ebony - Ebenopsis ebano ] and is a very slow insect. (Schaeffer 1904)
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Peloniinae
- Genus
- Pelonium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) / Veracruz, Mex - Map (Barr 2005) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pelonium maculicolle Schaeffer, 1904
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pelonium maculicolle. 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 Pelonium maculicolle (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelonium maculicolle
What is Pelonium maculicolle?
Pelonium maculicolle is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pelonium maculicolle?
Length: 7-11 mm (Schaeffer 1904)
How do you identify Pelonium maculicolle?
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Pelonium maculicolle found?
Range: southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) / Veracruz, Mex - Map (Barr 2005) ( 3 )