Ptinus tumidus
This record describes Ptinus tumidus (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Specimen collected by H.S. Barber at Los Borregos, Brownsville, Texas, 24.V.1904. (Fall 1905) Texas considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) ( 5 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ptininae
- Tribe
- Ptinini
- Genus
- Ptinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Co.) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Species of Ptinus appear to have diverse feeding habits. Some are woodborers, most feed on dried animal and plant remains, some are bird or mammal nest inhabitants, and some feed on pollen stored in bees’ nests [various citations in Philips 2002].
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ptinus tumidus Fall 1905
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ptinus tumidus. 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 Ptinus tumidus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ptinus tumidus
What is Ptinus tumidus?
Ptinus tumidus is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ptinus tumidus?
Body length is ca. 2.5 mm. ( 3 )
Where is Ptinus tumidus found?
Range: southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Co.) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Ptinus tumidus eat?
The diet of the Ptinus tumidus includes Species of Ptinus appear to have diverse feeding habits. Some are woodborers, most feed on dried animal and plant remains, some are bird or mammal nest inhabitants, and some feed on pollen stored in bees’ nests [various citations in Philips 2002]..
When is Ptinus tumidus active?
Ptinus tumidus: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, October..