Pristilophus pulcher
This record describes Pristilophus pulcher (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytra dark yellowish with large black cross-shaped marking; black dash descending from humeral angle either separated from or merging with lateral arm of black cross; pronotum with middorsal black stripe, bordered laterally by dark orange Common
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dendrometrinae
- Tribe
- Prosternini
- Genus
- Pristilophus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Forests and parklands
Geographic Range
northeastern North America
Seasonal Activity
Adults collected 4.v-20.viii
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pristilophus pulcher per Blaine here Selatosomus pulcher (LeConte 1853)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pristilophus pulcher. 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 Pristilophus pulcher (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Beatriz Moisset , McClarinJ , v belov , bmathison1972
Frequently Asked Questions About Pristilophus pulcher
What is Pristilophus pulcher?
Pristilophus pulcher is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pristilophus pulcher?
9-15 mm
How do you identify Pristilophus pulcher?
elytra dark yellowish with large black cross-shaped marking; black dash descending from humeral angle either separated from or merging with lateral arm of black cross; pronotum with middorsal black stripe, bordered laterally by dark orange
Where is Pristilophus pulcher found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forests and parklands |
| Range | northeastern North America |
When is Pristilophus pulcher active?
Pristilophus pulcher: seasonal activity - Adults collected 4.v-20.viii.