Platydema ruficornis
This record describes Platydema ruficornis (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
opaque; dorsum black to piceous, unmarked; appendages & venter ferrugineous comes to lights; very common
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
Habitat
fleshy fungi; moldy grain; under bark ( 3 )
Geographic Range
e NA (QC―FL to ON―MN―CO―TX); Bahamas
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Platydema ruficornis ( Sturm 1826)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platydema ruficornis. 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 ruficornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , roar
Frequently Asked Questions About Platydema ruficornis
What is Platydema ruficornis?
Platydema ruficornis is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Platydema ruficornis?
3.5‒5.8 mm
How do you identify Platydema ruficornis?
opaque; dorsum black to piceous, unmarked; appendages & venter ferrugineous
Where is Platydema ruficornis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | fleshy fungi; moldy grain; under bark ( 3 ) |
| Range | e NA (QC―FL to ON―MN―CO―TX); Bahamas |