Scotochroa buprestoides
This record describes Scotochroa buprestoides (species). Recorded family: Melandryidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum punctate (granulo-punctate in S. atra ), A3 longer or equal to A4 (shorter than A4 in S. atra ), punctures of basal half of elytra coarse with raised granules (not granulate and sparser in S. basalis )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Melandryidae (False Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melandryinae
- Tribe
- Xylitini
- Genus
- Scotochroa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne.NA (NF‒SK to NY‒MI)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scotochroa buprestoides (Kirby 1837)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scotochroa buprestoides. 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 Scotochroa buprestoides (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Nicolas Bédard; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Scotochroa buprestoides
What is Scotochroa buprestoides?
Scotochroa buprestoides is a species in the family Melandryidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Scotochroa buprestoides?
5‒7 mm
How do you identify Scotochroa buprestoides?
Pronotum punctate (granulo-punctate in S. atra ), A3 longer or equal to A4 (shorter than A4 in S. atra ), punctures of basal half of elytra coarse with raised granules (not granulate and sparser in S. basalis )
Where is Scotochroa buprestoides found?
Range: ne.NA (NF‒SK to NY‒MI)