ColeopteraTetratomidae – Polypore Fungus Beetles2 data sources

Penthe obliquata

This record describes Penthe obliquata (species). Recorded family: Tetratomidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Penthe obliquata - Penthe obliquata
Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Wikipedia reference for Penthe obliquata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penthe_obliquata.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Tenebrionoidea
Family
Tetratomidae (Polypore Fungus Beetles)
Genus
Penthe

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

in dry fungi or under loose bark of decaying trees

Geographic Range

e. NA (NS-SC to MB-TX) ; BugGuide records from GA

Seasonal Activity

year-round in the south

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Penthe obliquata ( Fabricius 1801)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Penthe obliquata. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Penthe obliquata (3)

Penthe obliquata - photo 1
Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Penthe obliquata - photo 2
Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Penthe obliquata - photo 3
Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Penthe obliquata

How big is Penthe obliquata?

11-14 mm

Where is Penthe obliquata found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatin dry fungi or under loose bark of decaying trees
Rangee. NA (NS-SC to MB-TX) ; BugGuide records from GA
When is Penthe obliquata active?

Penthe obliquata: seasonal activity - year-round in the south.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.