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

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.
Photos of Strongylium aulicum (5)
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?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Range | coastal TX from Houston to Panama / c.FL, Tampa area ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) |
When is Strongylium aulicum active?
Strongylium aulicum: seasonal activity - May-July ( 4 ).
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