Pentagonica marshalli
This record describes Pentagonica marshalli (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Differs from P. picticornis by antenna pale (emphasis added) distad scape, head proportionatly shorter (truncated behind eyes), and pronotum proportionately wider Type locality: 3 mill. NW Alligator Point, Franklin Co., Florida
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
e TX, MS, FL, GA - Map ; ...probably the most common Pentagonica in eTX, "I have records before me from Austin, Anderson, [Bastrop], Brazos, Grimes, Montgomery and Sabine counties." (E. Riley, 2010 pers. comm. to MAQ)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pentagonica marshalli Mateu 1995
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pentagonica marshalli. 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 marshalli (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Peter W. Messer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pentagonica marshalli
What is Pentagonica marshalli?
Pentagonica marshalli is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pentagonica marshalli?
3.9-4.6 mm
How do you identify Pentagonica marshalli?
Differs from P. picticornis by antenna pale (emphasis added) distad scape, head proportionatly shorter (truncated behind eyes), and pronotum proportionately wider
Where is Pentagonica marshalli found?
Range: e TX, MS, FL, GA - Map ; ...probably the most common Pentagonica in eTX, I have records before me from Austin, Anderson, [Bastrop], Brazos, Grimes, Montgomery and Sabine counties. (E. Riley, 2010 pers. comm. to MAQ)