Placopterus thoracicus
This record describes Placopterus thoracicus (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
variable amount of black on prothorax Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Wikipedia reference for Placopterus thoracicus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placopterus_thoracicus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Clerinae
- Genus
- Placopterus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults found on foliage, typically in "damp meadows" 5-7 mm . Attracted to lights .
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-NH-KS) / Can. / Mex. ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae are predators of bark beetles and borers in small branches of deciduous trees 5-7 mm . Also "reared from mud nests of and galls of wasps" .
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Placopterus thoracicus. 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 Placopterus thoracicus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Placopterus thoracicus
What is Placopterus thoracicus?
Placopterus thoracicus is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Placopterus thoracicus?
5-7 mm
How do you identify Placopterus thoracicus?
variable amount of black on prothorax Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Placopterus thoracicus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults found on foliage, typically in damp meadows 5-7 mm . Attracted to lights . |
| Range | e US (TX-FL-NH-KS) / Can. / Mex. ( 4 ) |
What is the life cycle of a Placopterus thoracicus?
Larvae are predators of bark beetles and borers in small branches of deciduous trees 5-7 mm . Also reared from mud nests of and galls of wasps .