Pentagonica nigricornis
This record describes Pentagonica nigricornis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
differs from all previously described New World Pentagonica in type of coloration combined with uniformly black antennae (emphasis added). It resembles picticornis Bates of Guatemala except that the antennae (of nigricornis ) are not bicolored and there is less yellow on the lateral margins of the elytra. Type locality: Soledad (near Cienfuegos), Cuba
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
n.-s. FL / Bahamas, Cuba, Cayman Islands - Map , most US records s. FL
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pentagonica nigricornis Darlington 1934
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pentagonica nigricornis. 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 nigricornis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pentagonica nigricornis
What is Pentagonica nigricornis?
Pentagonica nigricornis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pentagonica nigricornis?
4-5 mm
How do you identify Pentagonica nigricornis?
differs from all previously described New World Pentagonica in type of coloration combined with uniformly black antennae (emphasis added). It resembles picticornis Bates of Guatemala except that the antennae (of nigricornis ) are not bicolored and there is less yellow on the lateral margins of the elytra.
Where is Pentagonica nigricornis found?
Range: n.-s. FL / Bahamas, Cuba, Cayman Islands - Map , most US records s. FL