Teretriosoma conigerum
This record describes Teretriosoma conigerum (species). Recorded family: Histeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Histeroidea
- Family
- Histeridae (Clown Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Abraeinae
- Tribe
- Teretriini
- Genus
- Teretriosoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Co.) / Mex. - Map (Townsend 1902),
Seasonal Activity
February to June (Townsend 1902)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
"Numerous specimens taken from tunnels of Amphicerus [Bostrichidae] in dead last year's cotton stalks, February 13th to June 14th, gathered in field at Santo Tomas [now Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Brownsville]. They occur ... in the deserted transverse tunnels of the Amphicerus , upon which they are parasitic." (Townsend 1902)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Teretriosoma conigerum Lewis, 1888
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Teretriosoma conigerum. 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 Teretriosoma conigerum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Teretriosoma conigerum
Where is Teretriosoma conigerum found?
Range: southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Co.) / Mex. - Map (Townsend 1902),
When is Teretriosoma conigerum active?
Teretriosoma conigerum: seasonal activity - February to June (Townsend 1902).
What is the life cycle of a Teretriosoma conigerum?
Numerous specimens taken from tunnels of Amphicerus [Bostrichidae] in dead last year's cotton stalks, February 13th to June 14th, gathered in field at Santo Tomas [now Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Brownsville]. They occur ... in the deserted transverse tunnels of the Amphicerus , upon which they are parasitic. (Townsend 1902)