ColeopteraPtinidae – Death-watch and Spider Beetles

Petalium whitei

This record describes Petalium whitei (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Petalium whitei - Petalium whitei — Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by v belov

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 (MA-FL to WI-TX)

Seasonal Activity

early Jun to early Aug in WI

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Petalium whitei Ford 1973

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Petalium whitei. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →