Phausis inaccensa
This record describes Phausis inaccensa (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | last key couplet: Brunneous to yellowish brown Phausis inaccensa males have no true lanterns (Faust poster) Yellowish brown. |
| Head | Head and median pronotal spot piceous. |
| Elytra | Elytra olivaceous the lateral margins obscurely paler. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen dark brown, fifth sternite with the apical margin narrowly pale. Sixth sternite with the sides and apical margin widely pale; laterally produced tergites yellowish brown; legs yellowish brown with the tibiae and tarsi somewhat darker. Pubescence grayish. Type Localtion: Marquette, MI |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Photurinae
- Genus
- Phausis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
MN-PA to n.TX-GA - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Once she oviposits, female rejects males by tucking tail. Females guard their eggs until death in 1-2 weeks, leaving clutch when threatened, returning when safe. (Faust poster)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phausis inaccensa LeConte 1878
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phausis inaccensa. 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 Phausis inaccensa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phausis inaccensa
What is Phausis inaccensa?
Phausis inaccensa is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phausis inaccensa?
4-6 mm
How do you identify Phausis inaccensa?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | last key couplet: Brunneous to yellowish brown Phausis inaccensa males have no true lanterns (Faust poster) Yellowish brown. |
| Head | Head and median pronotal spot piceous. |
| Elytra | Elytra olivaceous the lateral margins obscurely paler. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen dark brown, fifth sternite with the apical margin narrowly pale. Sixth sternite with the sides and apical margin widely pale; laterally produced tergites yellowish brown; legs yellowish brown with the tibiae and tarsi somewhat darker. Pubescence grayish. |
Where is Phausis inaccensa found?
Range: MN-PA to n.TX-GA - Map
What is the life cycle of a Phausis inaccensa?
Once she oviposits, female rejects males by tucking tail. Females guard their eggs until death in 1-2 weeks, leaving clutch when threatened, returning when safe. (Faust poster)