Platydema sexnotata
This record describes Platydema sexnotata (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
P. sexmaculatum Chevrolat is similar (and possibly conspecific) (Champion 1884) 2 specimens coll'ed by Brian Raber at the Sabal Palm Sanctuary , Brownsville, TX 7.viii.2010 • one spmn from Tamaulipas, MEX. in TAMUIC ( 3 ) • Warren Steiner reports 4 specimens at the USNM: 2 from Costa Rica, 1 Panama and 1 labeled Brownsville Tex. ex Mex. apparently intercepted with orchids in 1953.
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
southmost TX to Colombia ‒ map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Platydema sexnotata Chevrolat 1878
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platydema sexnotata. 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 sexnotata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Platydema sexnotata
What is Platydema sexnotata?
Platydema sexnotata is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Platydema sexnotata?
5.7‒7 mm (Champion 1884)
How do you identify Platydema sexnotata?
P. sexmaculatum Chevrolat is similar (and possibly conspecific) (Champion 1884)
Where is Platydema sexnotata found?
Range: southmost TX to Colombia ‒ map