Pyractomena ecostata
This record describes Pyractomena ecostata (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The following combination of characters is unique for this species: nearly glabrous dorsal surface, short subcylindric antennae (three-quarters length of pronotum), truncate apex of pronotum, pale costae of elytron (Green 1957)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Lampyrinae
- Tribe
- Cratomorphini
- Genus
- Pyractomena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Marshes
Geographic Range
southern New Jersey and Florida (Green 1957).
Seasonal Activity
Recorded from July-August in NJ. Can be found year-round in FL.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyractomena ecostata. 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 Pyractomena ecostata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen Luk
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyractomena ecostata
What is Pyractomena ecostata?
Pyractomena ecostata is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pyractomena ecostata?
11.5-16 mm
How do you identify Pyractomena ecostata?
The following combination of characters is unique for this species: nearly glabrous dorsal surface, short subcylindric antennae (three-quarters length of pronotum), truncate apex of pronotum, pale costae of elytron (Green 1957)
Where is Pyractomena ecostata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Marshes |
| Range | southern New Jersey and Florida (Green 1957). |
When is Pyractomena ecostata active?
Pyractomena ecostata: seasonal activity - Recorded from July-August in NJ. Can be found year-round in FL..