Petalium incisum
This record describes Petalium incisum (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum anterior recurved carina distinctly raised, incised at middle
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 (NY-FL to WI-MO-TX)
Seasonal Activity
early Jul to mid-Sep in WI
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Celastrus scandens, Rhus toxicodendron, Robinia pseudoacacia
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Petalium incisum Ford 1973
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Petalium incisum. 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 incisum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Petalium incisum
What is Petalium incisum?
Petalium incisum is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Petalium incisum?
2.1–2.2 mm
How do you identify Petalium incisum?
Pronotum anterior recurved carina distinctly raised, incised at middle
Where is Petalium incisum found?
Range: e. US (NY-FL to WI-MO-TX)
What does Petalium incisum eat?
The diet of the Petalium incisum includes Hosts: Celastrus scandens, Rhus toxicodendron, Robinia pseudoacacia.
When is Petalium incisum active?
Petalium incisum: seasonal activity - early Jul to mid-Sep in WI.