Diabolical Ironclad Beetle
Phloeodes diabolicus
This record describes Phloeodes diabolicus (species). Recorded family: Zopheridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsal color can vary from pale brown to dark gray. Apical part of elytra, as well as shoulders, may have creamy brown to golden patches. For a full redescription of this species please see García-Paris et al (2006).
Wikipedia reference for Phloeodes diabolicus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nosoderma_diabolicum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Zopheridae (Ironclad Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Zopherinae
- Tribe
- Zopherini
- Genus
- Phloeodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodlands, Found under loose bark of oak, cottonwood
Geographic Range
CA-AZ-Baja
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phloeodes diabolicus (LeConte 1851)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phloeodes diabolicus. 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 Diabolical Ironclad Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , Mike Quinn , v belov , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabolical Ironclad Beetle
What is Diabolical Ironclad Beetle?
Diabolical Ironclad Beetle (Phloeodes diabolicus) is a species in the family Zopheridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Diabolical Ironclad Beetle?
15-25 mm ; elytra plus prothorax: 16-22 mm (García-Paris et al. 2006)
How do you identify Diabolical Ironclad Beetle?
Dorsal color can vary from pale brown to dark gray. Apical part of elytra, as well as shoulders, may have creamy brown to golden patches. For a full redescription of this species please see García-Paris et al (2006).
Where is Diabolical Ironclad Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Woodlands, Found under loose bark of oak, cottonwood |
| Range | CA-AZ-Baja |