ColeopteraTenebrionidae – Darkling Beetles

Strongylium aulicum

This record describes Strongylium aulicum (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Strongylium aulicum - Strongylium aulicum
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Strongylium aulicum (Strongylium aulicum) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Stenochiinae, tribe Stenochiini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Tenebrionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Strongylium. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 10.0-12.6 mm. It is found in collected on dry branches of Ebenopsis ebano (Fabaceae) (Schaeffer 1905) and by random beating in the interior of the Palm Grove (E.G. Riley, pers. obser., Jul 2008; D. J. Heffern, pers. comm., Oct 2008). Active during May-July.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Tenebrionoidea
Family
Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
Subfamily
Stenochiinae
Tribe
Stenochiini
Genus
Strongylium

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

collected on dry branches of Ebenopsis ebano (Fabaceae) (Schaeffer 1905) and by random beating in the interior of the Palm Grove (E.G. Riley, pers. obser., Jul 2008; D. J. Heffern, pers. comm., Oct 2008)

Geographic Range

coastal TX from Houston to Panama / c.FL, Tampa area ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )

Seasonal Activity

May-July ( 4 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Strongylium aulicum Mäklin 1867

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Strongylium aulicum. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Strongylium aulicum (5)

Strongylium aulicum - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Strongylium aulicum - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Strongylium aulicum - photo 3
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Strongylium aulicum - photo 4
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Strongylium aulicum - photo 5
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Strongylium aulicum

What is Strongylium aulicum?

Strongylium aulicum is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Strongylium aulicum?

10.0-12.6 mm

Where is Strongylium aulicum found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatcollected on dry branches of Ebenopsis ebano (Fabaceae) (Schaeffer 1905) and by random beating in the interior of the Palm Grove (E.G. Riley, pers. obser., Jul 2008; D. J. Heffern, pers. comm., Oct 2008)
Rangecoastal TX from Houston to Panama / c.FL, Tampa area ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
When is Strongylium aulicum active?

Strongylium aulicum: seasonal activity - May-July ( 4 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.