Tenomerga cinerea
This record describes Tenomerga cinerea (species). Recorded family: Cupedidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. tom murray, 2013 Comes to lights.
Identification notes
Det. tom murray, 2013
Wikipedia reference for Tenomerga cinerea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenomerga_cinerea.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Archostemata
- Family
- Cupedidae (Reticulated Beetles)
- Genus
- Tenomerga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Can be found in moist basement timbers made of pine, oak, and chestnut. They are not considered destructive because the infested wood is usually already destroyed by decay.
Geographic Range
e. NA (QC-FL to SD-c.TX) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 )
Seasonal Activity
mostly Jun-Aug ( 7 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on decaying and moist wood.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: cinerea (L). 'ashen'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tenomerga cinerea. 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 Tenomerga cinerea (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Tenomerga cinerea
What is Tenomerga cinerea?
Tenomerga cinerea is a species in the family Cupedidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tenomerga cinerea?
7-13 mm mature larvae ~ 25mm
How do you identify Tenomerga cinerea?
Det. tom murray, 2013
Where is Tenomerga cinerea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Can be found in moist basement timbers made of pine, oak, and chestnut. They are not considered destructive because the infested wood is usually already destroyed by decay. |
| Range | e. NA (QC-FL to SD-c.TX) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 ) |
What does Tenomerga cinerea eat?
The diet of the Tenomerga cinerea includes Adults feed on decaying and moist wood..
When is Tenomerga cinerea active?
Tenomerga cinerea: seasonal activity - mostly Jun-Aug ( 7 ).