Strongylium tenuicolle
This record describes Strongylium tenuicolle (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
a rare variation with bright red/orange legs occurs in se. US (NC-FL-MS)
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
broad-leaved tree wood (oak, pecan, elms, willow, hickory) Found on tree trunks under bark
Geographic Range
e NA (QC-FL to MB-CO-AZ) - Map ; our most common and widespread Strongylium
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae tunnel in standing dead hardwoods and rotten woods in live trees ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Strongylium tenuicolle (Say 1827)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Strongylium tenuicolle. 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 tenuicolle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Strongylium tenuicolle
What is Strongylium tenuicolle?
Strongylium tenuicolle is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Strongylium tenuicolle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | broad-leaved tree wood (oak, pecan, elms, willow, hickory) Found on tree trunks under bark |
| Range | e NA (QC-FL to MB-CO-AZ) - Map ; our most common and widespread Strongylium |
What is the life cycle of a Strongylium tenuicolle?
Larvae tunnel in standing dead hardwoods and rotten woods in live trees ( 5 )