Prionychus ater
This record describes Prionychus ater (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 12 to 14 mm. Dull appearance, head and pronotum densely and coarsely punctured. Prionychus melanarius is 10 to 12mm long with a shiny appearance with head & pronotum sparsely punctured. Good quality photographs and size of specimen required. Nocturnally active saproxylic beetle occurring on a range of broad-leaved trees. Larvae develop in decaying wood or in the soil where they feed upon organic matter and roots. Both adults and larvae of many species have been found in accumulated wood and debris, especially where wood mould is present, in hollow trunks of standing and fallen timber. Widespread though local throughout the southern half of Britain. Appears to be increasing if frequency in our area, often attracted to light. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Tenebrionidae
- Genus
- Prionychus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Nocturnally active saproxylic beetle occurring on a range of broad-leaved trees.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae develop in decaying wood or in the soil where they feed upon organic matter and roots. Both adults and larvae of many species have been found in accumulated wood and debris, especially where wood mould is present, in hollow trunks of standing and fallen timber.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread though local throughout the southern half of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Prionychus ater. 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 Prionychus ater (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Prionychus ater
What is Prionychus ater?
Prionychus ater is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Prionychus ater?
12 to 14 mm. Dull appearance, head and pronotum densely and coarsely punctured.
Where is Prionychus ater found?
Habitat: Nocturnally active saproxylic beetle occurring on a range of broad-leaved trees.
What is the life cycle of a Prionychus ater?
Larvae develop in decaying wood or in the soil where they feed upon organic matter and roots. Both adults and larvae of many species have been found in accumulated wood and debris, especially where wood mould is present, in hollow trunks of standing and fallen timber.