Talanus mecoscelis
This record describes Talanus mecoscelis (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type series coll. at Brownsville, Texas in 1934, 1937, and 1939 by D. J. and J. N. Knull. (Triplehorn 1968) Texas considers this a SGCN ( 5 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Stenochiinae
- Tribe
- Talanini
- Genus
- Talanus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
" Talanus langurinus (LeConte) has been collected in southern Florida and the Brownsville area by beating tangles of vines (E. G. Riley, pers. obser.). Thus, it appears that Talanus will fall into that group of Tenebrionidae that are associated with woody plant communities rather than soil-bound groups." ( 3 )
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Brownsville area) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: April, May, June, August, October. ,(BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Talanus mecoscelis Triplehorn 1968
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Talanus mecoscelis. 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 Talanus mecoscelis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Talanus mecoscelis
What is Talanus mecoscelis?
Talanus mecoscelis is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Talanus mecoscelis?
7.4-9.2 mm (Triplehorn 1968)
Where is Talanus mecoscelis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Talanus langurinus (LeConte) has been collected in southern Florida and the Brownsville area by beating tangles of vines (E. G. Riley, pers. obser.). Thus, it appears that Talanus will fall into that group of Tenebrionidae that are associated with woody plant communities rather than soil-bound groups. ( 3 ) |
| Range | southmost TX (Brownsville area) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) |
When is Talanus mecoscelis active?
Talanus mecoscelis: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: April, May, June, August, October. ,(BG data).