Pentagonica maculicornis
This record describes Pentagonica maculicornis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
fulvous antennae, the entire scape and the other joints being brown only at the apex; prothorax with a broad, distinct, black stripe on both sides (Bates 1883), pronotal side marks vary from well defined, to indefinite smudges, or entirely absent. Type Locality: Bugaba, Panama (Champion) New US Record
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Pentagonicini
- Genus
- Pentagonica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se.FL (Palm Beach & Miami-Dade Cos.) / W. Indies / Costa Rica to Venezuela
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pentagonica maculicornis Bates, 1883
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pentagonica maculicornis. 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 Pentagonica maculicornis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pentagonica maculicornis
What is Pentagonica maculicornis?
Pentagonica maculicornis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pentagonica maculicornis?
4.2-4.5 mm
How do you identify Pentagonica maculicornis?
fulvous antennae, the entire scape and the other joints being brown only at the apex; prothorax with a broad, distinct, black stripe on both sides (Bates 1883), pronotal side marks vary from well defined, to indefinite smudges, or entirely absent.
Where is Pentagonica maculicornis found?
Range: se.FL (Palm Beach & Miami-Dade Cos.) / W. Indies / Costa Rica to Venezuela