Pyropyga minuta
This record describes Pyropyga minuta (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotum pale with median vitta subparallel-sided, usually somewhat expanded near base extreme genitalic variability suggests a species complex
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Lampyrinae
- Tribe
- Lucidotini
- Genus
- Pyropyga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
often common in wet roadside ditches ( 3 )
Geographic Range
NC‒FL to CO‒AZ to Honduras ; one of the most common fireflies in e. OK
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pyropyga minuta (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyropyga minuta. 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 Pyropyga minuta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyropyga minuta
What is Pyropyga minuta?
Pyropyga minuta is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pyropyga minuta?
3‒5.5 mm
How do you identify Pyropyga minuta?
pronotum pale with median vitta subparallel-sided, usually somewhat expanded near base
Where is Pyropyga minuta found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | often common in wet roadside ditches ( 3 ) |
| Range | NC‒FL to CO‒AZ to Honduras ; one of the most common fireflies in e. OK |