Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis
This record describes Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
While often distinctly metallic blue to green (Fig. 2), duller forms (Fig. 1) may be confused with the more robust-bodied P. pubescens (LeConte). The elytral form of P. caeruleipennis is similar to that of P. pallipennis (Say) and P. affiliatus (Fall). The elytra are elongate and feebly depressed in the apical third with the apices not being perceptibly tumid (swollen) in caeruleipennis , contrary to the commonly expressed tumidity observed in pallipennis and affiliatus , which have variable elytral patterns often with four pale maculae, but never metallic or green-blue monochromatic.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydnocerinae
- Genus
- Phyllobaenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NV-AZ to w. TX, NE / Mex. ,
Seasonal Activity
June to Aug.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
collected on Acacia constricta and bunchgrass, as well as sweeping grassy areas, but spmn label data are too limited to suggest any plant preferences.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis (Wolcott) Orig. Comb: Hydnocera caeruleipennis Wolcott, 1908 Syn: coeruleipennis as in
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis. 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 Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis
What is Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis?
Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis?
While often distinctly metallic blue to green (Fig. 2), duller forms (Fig. 1) may be confused with the more robust-bodied P. pubescens (LeConte). The elytral form of P. caeruleipennis is similar to that of P. pallipennis (Say) and P. affiliatus (Fall). The elytra are elongate and feebly depressed in the apical third with the apices not being perceptibly tumid (swollen) in caeruleipennis , contrary to the commonly expressed tumidity observed in pallipennis and affiliatus , which have variable elytral patterns often with four pale maculae, but never metallic or green-blue monochromatic.
Where is Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis found?
Range: NV-AZ to w. TX, NE / Mex. ,
When is Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis active?
Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis: seasonal activity - June to Aug..
What is the life cycle of a Phyllobaenus caeruleipennis?
collected on Acacia constricta and bunchgrass, as well as sweeping grassy areas, but spmn label data are too limited to suggest any plant preferences.