Plectromerus dentipes
This record describes Plectromerus dentipes (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. Michael C. Thomas, 2009
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Plectromerini
- Genus
- Plectromerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coastal plains
Geographic Range
coastal s. TX to s. FL to e. SC / Cuba, Bahamas - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-Nov, yr round in FL (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: various trees including Quercus, Carya illinoinensis, Cercis canadensis, Conocarpus erectus, Crossopetalum rhacoma, Conocarpus erectus, Cojoba arborea and Taxodium distichum . ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: dentipes (L). 'tooth-footed'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Plectromerus dentipes. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plectromerus dentipes
How big is Plectromerus dentipes?
6 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Plectromerus dentipes?
Det. Michael C. Thomas, 2009
Where is Plectromerus dentipes found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coastal plains |
| Range | coastal s. TX to s. FL to e. SC / Cuba, Bahamas - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) |
What does Plectromerus dentipes eat?
The diet of the Plectromerus dentipes includes various trees including Quercus, Carya illinoinensis, Cercis canadensis, Conocarpus erectus, Crossopetalum rhacoma, Conocarpus erectus, Cojoba arborea and Taxodium distichum . ( 3 ).
When is Plectromerus dentipes active?
Plectromerus dentipes: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-Nov, yr round in FL (BG data).