Tomentous Soldier Beetle
Podabrus tomentosus
This record describes Podabrus tomentosus (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Podabrus tomentosus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Podabrus tomentosus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podabrus tomentosus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cantharinae
- Tribe
- Podabrini
- Genus
- Podabrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NY-ON-MN to MD-OK - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Podabrus tomentosus (Say 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Podabrus tomentosus. 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 Tomentous Soldier Beetle (2)
Photo credits: no rights reserved, uploaded by Chrissy McClarren and Andy Reago | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomentous Soldier Beetle
What is Tomentous Soldier Beetle?
Tomentous Soldier Beetle (Podabrus tomentosus) is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tomentous Soldier Beetle?
7-12 mm
Where is Tomentous Soldier Beetle found?
Range: NY-ON-MN to MD-OK - Map