Philothermus stephani
This record describes Philothermus stephani (species). Recorded family: Cerylonidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
readily distinguished from nearctic congeners by reduced, depigmented eyes, elongate body (especially pronotum), and large size
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Cerylonidae (Minute Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ceryloninae
- Genus
- Philothermus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
forest litter, decayed wood
Geographic Range
NC/TN (vicinity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Philothermus stephani Gimmel & Ślipiński 2007
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Philothermus stephani. 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 Philothermus stephani (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Philothermus stephani
What is Philothermus stephani?
Philothermus stephani is a species in the family Cerylonidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Philothermus stephani?
2.4-3.0 mm
How do you identify Philothermus stephani?
readily distinguished from nearctic congeners by reduced, depigmented eyes, elongate body (especially pronotum), and large size
Where is Philothermus stephani found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | forest litter, decayed wood |
| Range | NC/TN (vicinity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park) |