Protheca hispida
This record describes Protheca hispida (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body small, with bristling pubescence changing in direction and thus forming lighter and darker areas under light.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dorcatominae
- Tribe
- Prothecini
- Genus
- Protheca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (NY-FL to WI-TX) - Map ; Bahamas ; sparsely distributed from RGV to Boston
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Protheca hispida LeConte 1865
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Protheca hispida. 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 Protheca hispida (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Protheca hispida
What is Protheca hispida?
Protheca hispida is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Protheca hispida?
1.5-2.5 mm
How do you identify Protheca hispida?
Body small, with bristling pubescence changing in direction and thus forming lighter and darker areas under light.
Where is Protheca hispida found?
Range: e. US (NY-FL to WI-TX) - Map ; Bahamas ; sparsely distributed from RGV to Boston