Phyllobaenus tricolor
This record describes Phyllobaenus tricolor (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX
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
Habitat
collected from Acacia, Celtis and Prosopis (J. Leavengood, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2012)
Geographic Range
c. to s. TX - Map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllobaenus tricolor. 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 Phyllobaenus tricolor (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllobaenus tricolor
What is Phyllobaenus tricolor?
Phyllobaenus tricolor is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phyllobaenus tricolor?
4-4.5 mm (Schaeffer, 1904)
Where is Phyllobaenus tricolor found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | collected from Acacia, Celtis and Prosopis (J. Leavengood, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2012) |
| Range | c. to s. TX - Map |