Petalium debile
This record describes Petalium debile (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
common in beating samples at Laguna Atascosa NWR, TX ( 3 )
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
e. US (NJ‒FL to WI‒TX)
Seasonal Activity
late Jul to late Aug in WI
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Petalium debile Fall 1905
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Petalium debile. 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 debile (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Petalium debile
What is Petalium debile?
Petalium debile is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Petalium debile?
1.8 mm
Where is Petalium debile found?
Range: e. US (NJ‒FL to WI‒TX)
When is Petalium debile active?
Petalium debile: seasonal activity - late Jul to late Aug in WI.