Polemius repandus
This record describes Polemius repandus (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Antennae filiform; pronotum black, with wide glossy reddish blotch betw. black central mark and yellow lateral margins; lateral margine bisinuate, widened posteriorly, widest at base; elytra black Variations: pronotum w black middle stripe variable, elytra w lateral margins sometimes pale. Det. G. Pelletier, 2013
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-FL to QC-IA-e.TX) (IA MO - BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polemius repandus LeConte 1866
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polemius repandus. 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 repandus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Polemius repandus
What is Polemius repandus?
Polemius repandus is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Polemius repandus?
6.5-7.5 mm
How do you identify Polemius repandus?
Antennae filiform; pronotum black, with wide glossy reddish blotch betw. black central mark and yellow lateral margins; lateral margine bisinuate, widened posteriorly, widest at base; elytra black Variations: pronotum w black middle stripe variable, elytra w lateral margins sometimes pale. Det. G. Pelletier, 2013
Where is Polemius repandus found?
Range: e. NA (NB-FL to QC-IA-e.TX) (IA MO - BG data)