Stenomorpha convexa
This record describes Stenomorpha convexa (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Pimeliinae
- Tribe
- Asidini
- Genus
- Stenomorpha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA KS [sic!] "I'm not sure of the California record, it either came from a publication or Rolf Aalbu. The species occurs in KS and at least Nebraska, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. However, the taxonomy of Stenomorpha is still a mess, so whether or not they are all actually one species is not entirely clear. I [...] have found interesting biogeographic breaks in my preliminary molecular data. So, maybe it extends to California, but specimens that can be placed in the species also occur between KS and CA." --Aaron Smith, pers.comm. to =v= 16.xii.2018
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stenomorpha convexa (LeConte 1859)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stenomorpha convexa. 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 Stenomorpha convexa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by v belov