Photinus texanus
This record describes Photinus texanus (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum with median dark vitta attaining base but not apex [but see type], widest in front, narrowest just before base at middle nearly one-third as wide as convex surface; anterior coarsely punctate area dusky medially. Scutellum and mesunotal areas dark piceous. |
| Elytra | Elytra dark brownish piceous, sutural bead flavate nearly to scutellum, lateral pale border wider, exceeding width of explanate margin medially, narrowly continuous around apex. Type Locality: Brownsville, Texas, October, 1942 |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Lampyrinae
- Tribe
- Lucidotini
- Genus
- Photinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. to c. TX to n. Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Photinus texanus Green 1956
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Photinus texanus. 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 Photinus texanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Photinus texanus
What is Photinus texanus?
Photinus texanus is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Photinus texanus?
5-7 mm
How do you identify Photinus texanus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum with median dark vitta attaining base but not apex [but see type], widest in front, narrowest just before base at middle nearly one-third as wide as convex surface; anterior coarsely punctate area dusky medially. Scutellum and mesunotal areas dark piceous. |
| Elytra | Elytra dark brownish piceous, sutural bead flavate nearly to scutellum, lateral pale border wider, exceeding width of explanate margin medially, narrowly continuous around apex. |
Where is Photinus texanus found?
Range: w. to c. TX to n. Mex. - Map