Prosternon tessellatum
This record describes Prosternon tessellatum (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 9 to 11 mm. Rather rounded in appearance for a click beetle, uniformly dark in colour. Almost the whole of the surface area of the elytra covered in short golden brown hairs (in parts at right angle to striae, in parts parallel, giving the chequered appearance). Legs dark red. Lowland grasslands often close to watercourses or wet grasslands. Most often seen in spring and summer (from May onwards) The larvae develop underground, feeding on decomposing plant material. Imago insects appear in May and can be found resting conspicuously on grass stems, fence posts and flowers of various herbaceous species such as Thistles and Umbellifers. Widespread and fairly common in England up to north Yorkshire and Cumbria and in Wales. Scattered records from south-west Scotland and further north from the Cairngorms and around the Moray Forth area.
Wikipedia reference for Prosternon tessellatum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosternon_tessellatum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Prosternon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lowland grasslands often close to watercourses or wet grasslands.
Seasonal Activity
Most often seen in spring and summer (from May onwards)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae develop underground, feeding on decomposing plant material. Imago insects appear in May and can be found resting conspicuously on grass stems, fence posts and flowers of various herbaceous species such as Thistles and Umbellifers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly common in England up to north Yorkshire and Cumbria and in Wales. Scattered records from south-west Scotland and further north from the Cairngorms and around the Moray Forth area.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Prosternon tessellatum. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prosternon tessellatum
What is Prosternon tessellatum?
Prosternon tessellatum is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Prosternon tessellatum?
9 to 11 mm. Rather rounded in appearance for a click beetle, uniformly dark in colour. Almost the whole of the surface area of the elytra covered in short golden brown hairs (in parts at right angle to striae, in parts parallel, giving the chequered appearance). Legs dark red.
Where is Prosternon tessellatum found?
Habitat: Lowland grasslands often close to watercourses or wet grasslands.
When is Prosternon tessellatum active?
Prosternon tessellatum: seasonal activity - Most often seen in spring and summer (from May onwards).
What is the life cycle of a Prosternon tessellatum?
The larvae develop underground, feeding on decomposing plant material. Imago insects appear in May and can be found resting conspicuously on grass stems, fence posts and flowers of various herbaceous species such as Thistles and Umbellifers.