Pharaxonotha kirschii
This record describes Pharaxonotha kirschii (species). Recorded family: Erotylidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Erotylidae (Pleasing Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Xenoscelinae
- Genus
- Pharaxonotha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
n. TX to C. Amer., occasional in other areas as stored product pest - Map , mostly n. to c. TX
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Jul (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported from cotton bolls, corn meal, edible tubers, stored maize, wheat, and beans (Hinton 1944)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pharaxonotha kirschii Reitter 1875
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pharaxonotha kirschii. 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 Pharaxonotha kirschii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , John Schneider
Frequently Asked Questions About Pharaxonotha kirschii
How big is Pharaxonotha kirschii?
3.2-4.5 mm (BG data)
Where is Pharaxonotha kirschii found?
Range: n. TX to C. Amer., occasional in other areas as stored product pest - Map , mostly n. to c. TX
What does Pharaxonotha kirschii eat?
The diet of the Pharaxonotha kirschii includes reported from cotton bolls, corn meal, edible tubers, stored maize, wheat, and beans (Hinton 1944).
When is Pharaxonotha kirschii active?
Pharaxonotha kirschii: seasonal activity - Feb-Jul (BG data).