Pleotomus davisii
This record describes Pleotomus davisii (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Lampyrinae
- Tribe
- Pleotomini
- Genus
- Pleotomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
oak-type forest w/in 1/4 mi of natural water
Geographic Range
e.TX-AL-OH-KS , (unclear what the sources of these records are - MAQ) Update; recent records on iNaturalist from: NC mountains , NC Sandhills , WV
Seasonal Activity
late Jun-Jul
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pleotomus davisii LeConte 1881
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pleotomus davisii. 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 Pleotomus davisii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn