Pyropyga nigricans
This record describes Pyropyga nigricans (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dark pronotal border varies to narrow and paler or indistinct, especially in specimens from Arizona. Complete elimination of the dark border is rare, but has been noted in a series from Corpus Christi, Texas. rather uncommon east of the Mississippi River, very abundant from the Rocky Mts to the Pacific
Wikipedia reference for Pyropyga nigricans: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyropyga_nigricans.
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
Geographic Range
most of NA (transcontinental) except se. US - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Neither sex is luminous
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pyropyga nigricans (Say 1823)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyropyga nigricans. 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 nigricans (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyropyga nigricans
What is Pyropyga nigricans?
Pyropyga nigricans is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pyropyga nigricans?
4.2-8.5 mm
How do you identify Pyropyga nigricans?
dark pronotal border varies to narrow and paler or indistinct, especially in specimens from Arizona. Complete elimination of the dark border is rare, but has been noted in a series from Corpus Christi, Texas.
Where is Pyropyga nigricans found?
Range: most of NA (transcontinental) except se. US - Map
What is the life cycle of a Pyropyga nigricans?
Neither sex is luminous