Philolithus sordidus
This record describes Philolithus sordidus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytral ridges clearly elevated (more flattened in aegra ); pronotum with very coarse, and closely spaced punctures (smaller, and more widely distributed in aegra )
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
Geographic Range
w.NA (se.AB‒ND to AZ‒w.TX); nw.Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Philolithus sordidus (LeConte 1853)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Philolithus sordidus. 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 Philolithus sordidus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Philolithus sordidus
What is Philolithus sordidus?
Philolithus sordidus is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Philolithus sordidus?
15.3–27.0 mm
How do you identify Philolithus sordidus?
Elytral ridges clearly elevated (more flattened in aegra ); pronotum with very coarse, and closely spaced punctures (smaller, and more widely distributed in aegra )
Where is Philolithus sordidus found?
Range: w.NA (se.AB‒ND to AZ‒w.TX); nw.Mexico