Ptomaphagus cavernicola
This record describes Ptomaphagus cavernicola (species). Recorded family: Leiodidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a fully-eyed and functionally-winged species known (w/ one SC exception) only from caves in a largely disrupted but crescentric dist. from Mex. to IA to FL. (Peck 1973) The lack of significant variation in the cave pop. may suggest that the dist. was achieved during and shortly after the Wisconsinan glacial, and that cave restriction occurred during the Recent. (Peck 1982)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Leiodidae (Round Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cholevinae
- Genus
- Ptomaphagus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
frequent in caves
Geographic Range
c., se. US (TX, OK, AR, MO, IA, SC, FL) / Mex (Peck 1982) Type Locality: Marble (=Marvel) Cave, Stone Co., Missouri
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In caves, P. cavernicola is most abundant upon feces of bats or raccoons, or upon dead bat carcasses. Occasionally it occurs on wet, rotten wood. (Barr 1963)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: cavernicola (L). 'cave dweller'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ptomaphagus cavernicola. 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 Ptomaphagus cavernicola
What is Ptomaphagus cavernicola?
Ptomaphagus cavernicola is a species in the family Leiodidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Ptomaphagus cavernicola found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | frequent in caves |
| Range | c., se. US (TX, OK, AR, MO, IA, SC, FL) / Mex (Peck 1982) Type Locality: Marble (=Marvel) Cave, Stone Co., Missouri |
What is the life cycle of a Ptomaphagus cavernicola?
In caves, P. cavernicola is most abundant upon feces of bats or raccoons, or upon dead bat carcasses. Occasionally it occurs on wet, rotten wood. (Barr 1963)