Velvety Bark Beetle
Penthe pimelia
This record describes Penthe pimelia (species). Recorded family: Tetratomidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Looks like a Darkling Beetle: broad, flattened, very dark, in velvety pile; scutellum dark (orange in P. obliquata ) Adults come to lights ; fairly common
Wikipedia reference for Penthe pimelia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penthe_pimelia.
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
Forests, under bark or on bracket fungi
Geographic Range
e. NA (NS-FL to MB-TX)
Seasonal Activity
All year, under bark; adults wander on tree trunks and fungus on spring/summer evenings
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: pimelia = 'fatty'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Penthe pimelia. 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 Velvety Bark Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Velvety Bark Beetle
What is Velvety Bark Beetle?
Velvety Bark Beetle (Penthe pimelia) is a species in the family Tetratomidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Velvety Bark Beetle?
10-15 mm
How do you identify Velvety Bark Beetle?
Looks like a Darkling Beetle: broad, flattened, very dark, in velvety pile; scutellum dark (orange in P. obliquata )
Where is Velvety Bark Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forests, under bark or on bracket fungi |
| Range | e. NA (NS-FL to MB-TX) |
When is Velvety Bark Beetle active?
Velvety Bark Beetle: seasonal activity - All year, under bark; adults wander on tree trunks and fungus on spring/summer evenings.