Petalium alternatum
This record describes Petalium alternatum (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The alternately wide and narrow elytral intervals combined with the form of the antenna are diagnostic
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dorcatominae
- Genus
- Petalium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
IN-WI to MS-TX
Seasonal Activity
early Jun to late Aug in WI
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported from eastern swampprivet ( Forestiera acuminata , Oleaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Petalium alternatum Ford 1973
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Petalium alternatum. 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 Petalium alternatum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Petalium alternatum
What is Petalium alternatum?
Petalium alternatum is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Petalium alternatum?
2.8-3.2 mm ; 2.0–2.4 mm
How do you identify Petalium alternatum?
The alternately wide and narrow elytral intervals combined with the form of the antenna are diagnostic
Where is Petalium alternatum found?
Range: IN-WI to MS-TX
What does Petalium alternatum eat?
The diet of the Petalium alternatum includes reported from eastern swampprivet ( Forestiera acuminata , Oleaceae).
When is Petalium alternatum active?
Petalium alternatum: seasonal activity - early Jun to late Aug in WI.