Smodicum texanum
This record describes Smodicum texanum (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Characters cited by Knull for separating texanum are difficult to interpret in material from southern Texas, it appears that texanum differs from cucujiforme only by its slightly paler coloration, more lightly pubescent dorsum, and minor differences in antennal proportions. collected at lights in several localities
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Smodicini
- Genus
- Smodicum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. TX (Hidalgo, Cameron, & Nueces Cos.)
Seasonal Activity
Mar-June
Diet and Behavior
Diet: south Texas specimens (presumably texanum ) were collected from beneath bark of Salix (Linsley and Martin 1933) and Celtis (Vogt 1949)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Smodicum texanum Knull 1966
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Smodicum texanum. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smodicum texanum
What is Smodicum texanum?
Smodicum texanum is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Smodicum texanum?
Characters cited by Knull for separating texanum are difficult to interpret in material from southern Texas, it appears that texanum differs from cucujiforme only by its slightly paler coloration, more lightly pubescent dorsum, and minor differences in antennal proportions.
Where is Smodicum texanum found?
Range: s. TX (Hidalgo, Cameron, & Nueces Cos.)
What does Smodicum texanum eat?
The diet of the Smodicum texanum includes south Texas specimens (presumably texanum ) were collected from beneath bark of Salix (Linsley and Martin 1933) and Celtis (Vogt 1949).
When is Smodicum texanum active?
Smodicum texanum: seasonal activity - Mar-June.