Platycis minutus
This record describes Platycis minutus (species). Recorded family: Lycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5 to 8 mm. The elytra are red or orangey-red with strongly raised longitudinal lines. The head, pronotum and legs are all black but the antennae have pale tips in this species. Similar to Pyropterus nigroruber, but that species does not have pale tipped antennae. It is said the species seems to prefer well-vegetated and shaded areas on lowland chalk and limestone sites where it is associated with Beech and Birch. All year round, but peak time seems to be May to September. All four VC55 records up to the end of 2014 were recorded in August or September. Larvae develop in dead wood, feeding on micro-organisms in fluids, they may also be predatory. Quite scarce, but widely distributed throughout England and Wales south of the Wash, scattered records from mid and north Yorkshire and absent from the west country and western Wales. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Lycidae
- Genus
- Platycis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is said the species seems to prefer well-vegetated and shaded areas on lowland chalk and limestone sites where it is associated with Beech and Birch.
Seasonal Activity
All year round, but peak time seems to be May to September. All four VC55 records up to the end of 2014 were recorded in August or September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae develop in dead wood, feeding on micro-organisms in fluids, they may also be predatory.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite scarce, but widely distributed throughout England and Wales south of the Wash, scattered records from mid and north Yorkshire and absent from the west country and western Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platycis minutus. 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 Platycis minutus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Platycis minutus
What is Platycis minutus?
Platycis minutus is a species in the family Lycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Platycis minutus?
5 to 8 mm. The elytra are red or orangey-red with strongly raised longitudinal lines. The head, pronotum and legs are all black but
Where is Platycis minutus found?
Habitat: It is said the species seems to prefer well-vegetated and shaded areas on lowland chalk and limestone sites where it is associated with Beech and Birch.
When is Platycis minutus active?
Platycis minutus: seasonal activity - All year round, but peak time seems to be May to September. All four VC55 records up to the end of 2014 were recorded in August or September..
What is the life cycle of a Platycis minutus?
Larvae develop in dead wood, feeding on micro-organisms in fluids, they may also be predatory.