Petalium seriatum
This record describes Petalium seriatum (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum with medial hump large and flanked each side by oblique depressions. Syntype
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.NA to Texas
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Petalium seriatum Fall 1905
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Petalium seriatum. 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 seriatum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Petalium seriatum
What is Petalium seriatum?
Petalium seriatum is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Petalium seriatum?
1.5‒2.5 mm
How do you identify Petalium seriatum?
Pronotum with medial hump large and flanked each side by oblique depressions. Syntype
Where is Petalium seriatum found?
Range: e.NA to Texas