Platydema nigrata
This record describes Platydema nigrata (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
antennomeres 1‒4 & 11 light reddish brown, the rest much darker ( P. erythrocera may have this scheme, too)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Diaperinae
- Tribe
- Diaperini
- Genus
- Platydema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US to s. Calif. (NC‒FL to KS‒TX‒CA) to Panama / W. Indies - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Platydema nigrata (Motschulsky 1873)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platydema nigrata. 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 Platydema nigrata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kojun Kanda; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Platydema nigrata
What is Platydema nigrata?
Platydema nigrata is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Platydema nigrata?
4.6‒7.8 mm
How do you identify Platydema nigrata?
antennomeres 1‒4 & 11 light reddish brown, the rest much darker ( P. erythrocera may have this scheme, too)
Where is Platydema nigrata found?
Range: se US to s. Calif. (NC‒FL to KS‒TX‒CA) to Panama / W. Indies - Map