Statira basalis
This record describes Statira basalis (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Piceous, shining, elytra with distinct metallic blue lustre, legs piceous, the femora at base and coxae testaceous. Thorax not longer than wide, sides feebly arcuate, base slightly explanate. last key couplet: Thorax polished, the punctures fine, but distinct; legs piceous, the basal half of femora and coxae pale yellow . [emphasis added] Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Type Locality: Florida
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lagriinae
- Tribe
- Lagriini
- Genus
- Statira
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US (VA-FL to MO-e.TX) - Map , most TX records e. of the Brazos R.
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Mar-May ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Statira basalis Horn 1888
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Statira basalis. 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 Statira basalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Statira basalis
What is Statira basalis?
Statira basalis is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Statira basalis?
8-11.5 mm
How do you identify Statira basalis?
Piceous, shining, elytra with distinct metallic blue lustre, legs piceous, the femora at base and coxae testaceous. Thorax not longer than wide, sides feebly arcuate, base slightly explanate. last key couplet: Thorax polished, the punctures fine, but distinct; legs piceous, the basal half of femora and coxae pale yellow . [emphasis added] Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Statira basalis found?
Range: se US (VA-FL to MO-e.TX) - Map , most TX records e. of the Brazos R.
When is Statira basalis active?
Statira basalis: seasonal activity - mostly: Mar-May ( 4 ).