Petalium bistriatum
This record describes Petalium bistriatum (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Typically with reddish pronotum and black elytra, but may be all black. Pronotum distinctly rugose compared to shiny elytra. Pronotal sulcus crescent shaped. Elytral strial punctures become diminished in size apically, becoming more or less obsolete.
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
Habitat
reared from Quercus ilicifolia and Q. velutina , taken from Q. buckleyi in c. TX
Geographic Range
e US (ON-FL to WI-MO-TX)
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Aug in WI , Apr-Jul in c. TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Petalium bistriatum (Say 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Petalium bistriatum. 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 bistriatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Tim Moyer , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Petalium bistriatum
What is Petalium bistriatum?
Petalium bistriatum is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Petalium bistriatum?
1.5-1.9 mm ; 1.8-3 mm
How do you identify Petalium bistriatum?
Typically with reddish pronotum and black elytra, but may be all black. Pronotum distinctly rugose compared to shiny elytra. Pronotal sulcus crescent shaped. Elytral strial punctures become diminished in size apically, becoming more or less obsolete.
Where is Petalium bistriatum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | reared from Quercus ilicifolia and Q. velutina , taken from Q. buckleyi in c. TX |
| Range | e US (ON-FL to WI-MO-TX) |
When is Petalium bistriatum active?
Petalium bistriatum: seasonal activity - Jul-Aug in WI , Apr-Jul in c. TX.