Psephenus texanus
This record describes Psephenus texanus (species). Recorded family: Psephenidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
the only Psephenus sp. in Texas
Wikipedia reference for Psephenus texanus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psephenus_texanus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Dryopoidea
- Family
- Psephenidae (Water Penny Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Psepheninae
- Genus
- Psephenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults on rocks or wood protruding from riffles at or just above water line; larvae on or under submerged rocks in clear streams with high calcium content
Geographic Range
c. TX, ne Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Psephenus texanus Brown & Arrington 1967
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Psephenus texanus. 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 Psephenus texanus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , v belov , mpintar