Thecesternus maculosus
This record describes Thecesternus maculosus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
spmn dets. S.R. McCollum, 2011 Type Locality: Marfa, Texas
Identification notes
spmn dets. S.R. McCollum, 2011
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Thecesternini
- Genus
- Thecesternus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c.NM-TX-OK, s.MO / Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
" Thecesternus , originally known as the Buffalo dung weevils. Their association with the Buffalo was utilization of the dung as a harborage from the heat and dryness of the day. Nowadays they use cow dung, stones or whatever is available since they are nocturnal." (Charles W. O'Brien, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2013)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Thecesternus maculosus Pierce 1909
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Thecesternus maculosus. 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 Thecesternus maculosus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Thecesternus maculosus
What is Thecesternus maculosus?
Thecesternus maculosus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Thecesternus maculosus?
6.8-15 mm
How do you identify Thecesternus maculosus?
spmn dets. S.R. McCollum, 2011
Where is Thecesternus maculosus found?
Range: c.NM-TX-OK, s.MO / Mex. - Map
What is the life cycle of a Thecesternus maculosus?
Thecesternus , originally known as the Buffalo dung weevils. Their association with the Buffalo was utilization of the dung as a harborage from the heat and dryness of the day. Nowadays they use cow dung, stones or whatever is available since they are nocturnal. (Charles W. O'Brien, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2013)