Telegeusis texensis
This record describes Telegeusis texensis (species). Recorded family: Omethidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Telegeusis texensis may be distinguished from all other long-lipped beetles by the combination of concolorous black elytra and orange-yellow pronotum. (Fleenor and Taber 2001) Type Locality: Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co., TX / 22 Apr. 2000. S.B. Fleenor
Wikipedia reference for Telegeusis texensis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telegeusis_texensis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Omethidae (False Soldier Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Telegeusinae
- Genus
- Telegeusis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Variable (Fleenor et al. 2012)
Geographic Range
Known from 7 central Texas counties, primarily along the s. edge of the Edwards Plateau - Map (Fleenor et al. 2012)
Seasonal Activity
Peak adult male activity from March through May, with maximum avg abundance in late April to early May. Occurs sparingly in June-July. (Fleenor et al. 2012)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Unknown. (Fleenor et al. 2012)
Life History
All known individuals of the family are adult males collected as "artifacts" of lights, Malaise or flight intercept traps. No female, pupa or larva has been reported and the biology of the long-lipped beetles remains unknown. (Fleenor and Taber 2001, Fleenor et al. 2012) Males fly in the evening beginning about 2 hrs. before sunset and ending at sunset, 18:18 to 20:35. (Fleenor et al. 2012) We will likely only learn more about this species when females are found or males are located in the environment away from insect traps. Unfortunately, the male's small size (4.5mm) and dark coloration make them difficult to track in their natural habitat. (Fleenor et al. 2012)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Telegeusis texensis Fleenor and Taber 2001
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Telegeusis texensis. 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 Telegeusis texensis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Telegeusis texensis
What is Telegeusis texensis?
Telegeusis texensis is a species in the family Omethidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Telegeusis texensis?
Length 4.5 mm (Fleenor and Taber 2001)
How do you identify Telegeusis texensis?
Telegeusis texensis may be distinguished from all other long-lipped beetles by the combination of concolorous black elytra and orange-yellow pronotum. (Fleenor and Taber 2001)
Where is Telegeusis texensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Variable (Fleenor et al. 2012) |
| Range | Known from 7 central Texas counties, primarily along the s. edge of the Edwards Plateau - Map (Fleenor et al. 2012) |
What does Telegeusis texensis eat?
The diet of the Telegeusis texensis includes Unknown. (Fleenor et al. 2012).
When is Telegeusis texensis active?
Telegeusis texensis: seasonal activity - Peak adult male activity from March through May, with maximum avg abundance in late April to early May. Occurs sparingly in June-July. (Fleenor et al. 2012).
What is the life cycle of a Telegeusis texensis?
All known individuals of the family are adult males collected as artifacts of lights, Malaise or flight intercept traps. No female, pupa or larva has been reported and the biology of the long-lipped beetles remains unknown. (Fleenor and Taber 2001, Fleenor et al. 2012) Males fly in the evening beginning about 2 hrs. before sunset and ending at sunset, 18:18 to 20:35. (Fleenor et al. 2012) We will likely only learn more about this species when females are found or males are located in the environment away from insect traps. Unfortunately, the male's small size (4.5mm) and dark coloration make them difficult to track in their natural habitat. (Fleenor et al. 2012)