Thanasimus undatulus
This record describes Thanasimus undatulus (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to Thanasimus nubilus (which was until recently considered a subspecies of T. undatulus ), but with humeral area of elytra and usually the pronotum red, though it may be black in some northern individuals.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Clerinae
- Genus
- Thanasimus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
across the north (NF-NT-AK south to...)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predators of other insects, especially scolytid beetles.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Thanasimus undatulus (Say 1835)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Thanasimus undatulus. 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 Thanasimus undatulus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Jessee J Smith
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanasimus undatulus
What is Thanasimus undatulus?
Thanasimus undatulus is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Thanasimus undatulus?
5.0–8.8 mm
How do you identify Thanasimus undatulus?
Similar to Thanasimus nubilus (which was until recently considered a subspecies of T. undatulus ), but with humeral area of elytra and usually the pronotum red, though it may be black in some northern individuals.
Where is Thanasimus undatulus found?
Range: across the north (NF-NT-AK south to...)
What does Thanasimus undatulus eat?
The diet of the Thanasimus undatulus includes Predators of other insects, especially scolytid beetles..