Pycnomerus thrinax
This record describes Pycnomerus thrinax (species). Recorded family: Zopheridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum without trace of longitudinal wrinkles, punctures round; elytra laterally expanded above hind portion of metasternum Paratype
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Zopheridae (Ironclad Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Zopherinae
- Tribe
- Pycnomerini
- Genus
- Pycnomerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
hammock
Geographic Range
Florida Keys
Seasonal Activity
May-Nov
Diet and Behavior
Life History
rotting stems of Florida thatch palm ( [url=https://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Thrinax%20radiata.png]Thrinax radiata , Arecaceae) [=parviflora][/i])
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pycnomerus thrinax Ivie & Ślipiński 2001
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pycnomerus thrinax. 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 Pycnomerus thrinax (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pycnomerus thrinax
What is Pycnomerus thrinax?
Pycnomerus thrinax is a species in the family Zopheridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pycnomerus thrinax?
Length 2.3 - 2.8 mm
How do you identify Pycnomerus thrinax?
Pronotum without trace of longitudinal wrinkles, punctures round; elytra laterally expanded above hind portion of metasternum Paratype
Where is Pycnomerus thrinax found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | hammock |
| Range | Florida Keys |
When is Pycnomerus thrinax active?
Pycnomerus thrinax: seasonal activity - May-Nov.
What is the life cycle of a Pycnomerus thrinax?
rotting stems of Florida thatch palm ( [url=https://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Thrinax%20radiata.png]Thrinax radiata , Arecaceae) [=parviflora][/i])