Poecilocrypticus formicophilus
This record describes Poecilocrypticus formicophilus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Diaperinae
- Tribe
- Crypticini
- Genus
- Poecilocrypticus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in nests of at least 5 spp. of ants. Also collected via Berlese soil samples, pitfall traps and at blacklights (MacGown 2005)
Geographic Range
se US (TX-FL-SC-AR), NV - Map (Steiner 1982) , most records TX-OK, FL Native to South America, adventive in se. US (first collected 1978)
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-Sep
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Not clear if beetle is an occasional nest scavenger or a more specialized myrmecophile. The biology and immature stages remain largely unknown. (MacGown 2005)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Poecilocrypticus formicophilus Gebien 1928
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Poecilocrypticus formicophilus. 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 Poecilocrypticus formicophilus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Richard Lareau; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Poecilocrypticus formicophilus
How big is Poecilocrypticus formicophilus?
2 mm
Where is Poecilocrypticus formicophilus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found in nests of at least 5 spp. of ants. Also collected via Berlese soil samples, pitfall traps and at blacklights (MacGown 2005) |
| Range | se US (TX-FL-SC-AR), NV - Map (Steiner 1982) , most records TX-OK, FL Native to South America, adventive in se. US (first collected 1978) |
When is Poecilocrypticus formicophilus active?
Poecilocrypticus formicophilus: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-Sep.
What is the life cycle of a Poecilocrypticus formicophilus?
Not clear if beetle is an occasional nest scavenger or a more specialized myrmecophile. The biology and immature stages remain largely unknown. (MacGown 2005)