Platyomus flexicaulis
This record describes Platyomus flexicaulis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, Brownsville, Texas, from branches of Acacia flexicaulis . (Schaeffer 1905) Texas considers this a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Naupactini
- Genus
- Platyomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron & Hidalgo Cos.) / Tamps, Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: June, July, September.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Texas Ebony - Ebenopsis ebano (Fabaceae) Syns: Pithecellobium flexicaule , Acacia flexicaulis
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platyomus flexicaulis. 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 Platyomus flexicaulis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Platyomus flexicaulis
What is Platyomus flexicaulis?
Platyomus flexicaulis is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Platyomus flexicaulis?
Body length is 6.7-7.9 mm
Where is Platyomus flexicaulis found?
Range: southmost TX (Cameron & Hidalgo Cos.) / Tamps, Mex. - Map
What does Platyomus flexicaulis eat?
The diet of the Platyomus flexicaulis includes Texas Ebony - Ebenopsis ebano (Fabaceae) Syns: Pithecellobium flexicaule , Acacia flexicaulis.
When is Platyomus flexicaulis active?
Platyomus flexicaulis: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: June, July, September..