Scymnus tenebrosus
This record describes Scymnus tenebrosus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
large black sp. map based on the examination of 555 spmns!
Identification notes
large black sp.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Scymnini
- Genus
- Scymnus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. N. Amer. (e.TX-FL-ME-ND) - Map ( 3 ) , plus Gainesville, FL ( 4 ) , and Latimer Co., OK (26 spmns) ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
27 males collected June 11 in Baton Rouge, LA on arborvitae (Cupressaceae) ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scymnus (Pullus) tenebrosus Mulsant, 1850
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scymnus tenebrosus. 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 Scymnus tenebrosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Scymnus tenebrosus
What is Scymnus tenebrosus?
Scymnus tenebrosus is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Scymnus tenebrosus?
1.95-2.53 mm
How do you identify Scymnus tenebrosus?
large black sp.
Where is Scymnus tenebrosus found?
Range: e. N. Amer. (e.TX-FL-ME-ND) - Map ( 3 ) , plus Gainesville, FL ( 4 ) , and Latimer Co., OK (26 spmns) ( 5 )
What is the life cycle of a Scymnus tenebrosus?
27 males collected June 11 in Baton Rouge, LA on arborvitae (Cupressaceae) ( 6 )