ColeopteraCleridae – Checkered Beetles

Phyllobaenus schusteri

This record describes Phyllobaenus schusteri (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Phyllobaenus schusteri - Phyllobaenus schusteri
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Holotype record from Brownsville, TX (Schaeffer 1908) is in error. (J.Leavengood, pers.comm. to MAQ, 2015)

Identification notes

Holotype

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

sc.US (IL‒OK to LA‒TX)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Phyllobaenus schusteri (Leconte)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllobaenus schusteri. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Phyllobaenus schusteri (4)

Phyllobaenus schusteri - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Phyllobaenus schusteri - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Phyllobaenus schusteri - photo 3
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Phyllobaenus schusteri - photo 4
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllobaenus schusteri

What is Phyllobaenus schusteri?

Phyllobaenus schusteri is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Phyllobaenus schusteri?

5‒5.5 mm

How do you identify Phyllobaenus schusteri?

Holotype

Where is Phyllobaenus schusteri found?

Range: sc.US (IL‒OK to LA‒TX)

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.