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

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.
Photos of Penthe obliquata (3)
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?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in dry fungi or under loose bark of decaying trees |
| Range | e. NA (NS-SC to MB-TX) ; BugGuide records from GA |
When is Penthe obliquata active?
Penthe obliquata: seasonal activity - year-round in the south.
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