Platydema teleops
This record describes Platydema teleops (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Platydema teleops (Platydema teleops) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Diaperinae, tribe Diaperini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Tenebrionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Platydema. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 3.3‒4.6 mm. Active during year round in the south , but mostly fall to early spring.
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
e.NA (NS‒ON‒MN‒NE to SC‒TX)
Seasonal Activity
year round in the south ( 3 ) , but mostly fall to early spring
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Platydema teleops Triplehorn 1965
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platydema teleops. 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 teleops (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Platydema teleops
What is Platydema teleops?
Platydema teleops is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Platydema teleops?
3.3‒4.6 mm
Where is Platydema teleops found?
Range: e.NA (NS‒ON‒MN‒NE to SC‒TX)
When is Platydema teleops active?
Platydema teleops: seasonal activity - year round in the south ( 3 ) , but mostly fall to early spring.