Rhipidandrus paradoxus
This record describes Rhipidandrus paradoxus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Rhipidandrus paradoxus (Rhipidandrus paradoxus) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Tenebrioninae, tribe Bolitophagini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Tenebrionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Rhipidandrus. Size: 2.0-2.8 mm. Found in fungi growing on trees.
Identification notes
the only e. sp. outside of FL
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tenebrioninae
- Tribe
- Bolitophagini
- Genus
- Rhipidandrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
fungi growing on trees
Geographic Range
e. NA (c.TX-FL-QC-KS) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhipidandrus paradoxus (Beauvois 1820)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhipidandrus paradoxus. 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 Rhipidandrus paradoxus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhipidandrus paradoxus
What is Rhipidandrus paradoxus?
Rhipidandrus paradoxus is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhipidandrus paradoxus?
2.0-2.8 mm
How do you identify Rhipidandrus paradoxus?
the only e. sp. outside of FL
Where is Rhipidandrus paradoxus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | fungi growing on trees |
| Range | e. NA (c.TX-FL-QC-KS) - Map |