Platysoma leconti
This record describes Platysoma leconti (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Platysoma leconti: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platysoma_leconti.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Histerinae
- Tribe
- Platysomatini
- Genus
- Platysoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
under bark of dead trees
Geographic Range
transcontinental: (n.CA-FL-NS-BC) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: most probably larvae of xylophilous flies, but apparently also other soft-bodied insects, including bark beetle larvae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Platysoma leconti Marseul 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platysoma leconti. 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 Platysoma leconti (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Joyce Gross , Phillip Harpootlian , Bbarnd , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Platysoma leconti
How big is Platysoma leconti?
2.5-3.5 mm
Where is Platysoma leconti found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | under bark of dead trees |
| Range | transcontinental: (n.CA-FL-NS-BC) - Map |
What does Platysoma leconti eat?
The diet of the Platysoma leconti includes most probably larvae of xylophilous flies, but apparently also other soft-bodied insects, including bark beetle larvae.