Pennasolis merkeli
This record describes Pennasolis merkeli (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Slender, parallel, piceous black, moderately shining, with sparsely placed erect hairs, and a silken white pubescence forming an indistinct design on the elytra, each elytron with a yellow spot on the margin behind the middle. |
| Head | Head coarsely, densely punctate. |
| Thorax | Thorax slightly wider than long, surface densely and coarsely punctate. |
| Elytra | Elytra slightly wider posteriorly, surface coarsely, deeply, and closely punctate. (Horn 1896) |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Epiphloeinae
- Genus
- Pennasolis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ to w. TX / Mex. ,
Diet and Behavior
Life History
reared ex alligator juniper ( Juniperus deppeana , Cupressaceae) in w. TX (BG data)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pennasolis merkeli. 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 Pennasolis merkeli (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennasolis merkeli
What is Pennasolis merkeli?
Pennasolis merkeli is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pennasolis merkeli?
5-5.5 mm (Horn 1896)
How do you identify Pennasolis merkeli?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Slender, parallel, piceous black, moderately shining, with sparsely placed erect hairs, and a silken white pubescence forming an indistinct design on the elytra, each elytron with a yellow spot on the margin behind the middle. |
| Head | Head coarsely, densely punctate. |
| Thorax | Thorax slightly wider than long, surface densely and coarsely punctate. |
| Elytra | Elytra slightly wider posteriorly, surface coarsely, deeply, and closely punctate. (Horn 1896) |
Where is Pennasolis merkeli found?
Range: AZ to w. TX / Mex. ,
What is the life cycle of a Pennasolis merkeli?
reared ex alligator juniper ( Juniperus deppeana , Cupressaceae) in w. TX (BG data)