Prostephanus punctatus
This record describes Prostephanus punctatus (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Prostephanus punctatus (Prostephanus punctatus) is a species in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as horned powder-post beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Dinoderinae, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Bostrichoidea. This species belongs to the genus Prostephanus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 4 to 5 mm. It is found in Breeds in hardwoods such as Quercus (Fagaceae).
Wikipedia reference for Prostephanus punctatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostephanus_punctatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Bostrichidae (Horned Powder-post Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dinoderinae
- Genus
- Prostephanus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Breeds in hardwoods such as Quercus (Fagaceae) ( 5 )
Geographic Range
e. NA (TX-FL-NS-IA) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Prostephanus punctatus. 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 Prostephanus punctatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Prostephanus punctatus
What is Prostephanus punctatus?
Prostephanus punctatus is a species in the family Bostrichidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Prostephanus punctatus?
4 to 5 mm
Where is Prostephanus punctatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Breeds in hardwoods such as Quercus (Fagaceae) ( 5 ) |
| Range | e. NA (TX-FL-NS-IA) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) |