Polemius laticornis
This record describes Polemius laticornis (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
antennae stongly serrate in male, less serrate in female; pronotum lateral margins indented before middle, wider after the indentation, widest at base; elytra black usually with dark reddish humerus, divergent, lateral margins widest at apical 1/3 Variation: lateral depth of pronotal indentation variable; humeral spots sometimes lacking Det. v belov, 2014
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Silinae
- Tribe
- Silini
- Genus
- Polemius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (NB-OC-MN to FL-n.TX) - Map , rare along Gulf and s. Atlantic coastal plains
Seasonal Activity
mostly June-July (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polemius laticornis (Say 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polemius laticornis. 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 Polemius laticornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Polemius laticornis
What is Polemius laticornis?
Polemius laticornis is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Polemius laticornis?
6.0-8.0 mm
How do you identify Polemius laticornis?
antennae stongly serrate in male, less serrate in female; pronotum lateral margins indented before middle, wider after the indentation, widest at base; elytra black usually with dark reddish humerus, divergent, lateral margins widest at apical 1/3 Variation: lateral depth of pronotal indentation variable; humeral spots sometimes lacking Det. v belov, 2014
Where is Polemius laticornis found?
Range: e. NA (NB-OC-MN to FL-n.TX) - Map , rare along Gulf and s. Atlantic coastal plains
When is Polemius laticornis active?
Polemius laticornis: seasonal activity - mostly June-July (BG data).