Phaenithon platanum
This record describes Phaenithon platanum (species). Recorded family: Anthribidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
TYPE: USNM, Smithsonian Coll. A very distinctive member of the fly-mimicking complex described by Hespenheide (1973).
Identification notes
TYPE: USNM, Smithsonian Coll.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Anthribidae (Fungus Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Anthribinae
- Tribe
- Basitropidini
- Genus
- Phaenithon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known only from the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona Type Locality: Miller Canyon, Huachuca Mtns., Arizona (Schaeffer 1906)
Seasonal Activity
Schaeffer collected the holotype on 27 August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Schaeffer (1906) "obtained this species from dead branches of a sycamore."
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: platanus (G). 'sycamore,' from which the type was obtained. Schaeffer 1906)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phaenithon platanum. 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 Phaenithon platanum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Phaenithon platanum
What is Phaenithon platanum?
Phaenithon platanum is a species in the family Anthribidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phaenithon platanum?
6 mm (Schaeffer 1906)
How do you identify Phaenithon platanum?
TYPE: USNM, Smithsonian Coll.
Where is Phaenithon platanum found?
Range: Known only from the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona Type Locality: Miller Canyon, Huachuca Mtns., Arizona (Schaeffer 1906)
When is Phaenithon platanum active?
Phaenithon platanum: seasonal activity - Schaeffer collected the holotype on 27 August..
What is the life cycle of a Phaenithon platanum?
Schaeffer (1906) obtained this species from dead branches of a sycamore.