Philolithus aeger
This record describes Philolithus aeger (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body black and shining. Punctures on the pronotum small and sparse (coarser & denser in Ph. sordidus ). The discal costae (ridges) are somewhat flattened, and the medial costae is nearly absent, or indistinct (clearly raised in sordida ).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Pimeliinae
- Tribe
- Asidini
- Genus
- Philolithus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grasslands and shrublands
Geographic Range
so. NM to sw. TX - Map , uncommon
Seasonal Activity
Aug to mid-Nov
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Philolithus aeger (LeConte 1858)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Philolithus aeger. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philolithus aeger
What is Philolithus aeger?
Philolithus aeger is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Philolithus aeger?
Body black and shining. Punctures on the pronotum small and sparse (coarser & denser in Ph. sordidus ). The discal costae (ridges) are somewhat flattened, and the medial costae is nearly absent, or indistinct (clearly raised in sordida ).
Where is Philolithus aeger found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Grasslands and shrublands |
| Range | so. NM to sw. TX - Map , uncommon |
When is Philolithus aeger active?
Philolithus aeger: seasonal activity - Aug to mid-Nov.