Tillus elongatus
This record describes Tillus elongatus (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
7-10mm. A distinctive species that is elongate and superficially like a soldier beetle. Males are all black but females have a bright red pronotum. Long but sparce hairs cover most of the dorsal surface. Both sexes have long, serrated antennae. A good image and a note of size is needed. Generally found in old woodland and parkland with old trees. Both adults and larvae are predators of other insects. The eggs are laid in dead wood. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Tillus elongatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillus_elongatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cleridae
- Genus
- Tillus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Generally found in old woodland and parkland with old trees.
Seasonal Activity
From May through summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Both adults and larvae are predators of other insects. The eggs are laid in dead wood.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally common in the south of England.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tillus elongatus. 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 Tillus elongatus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tillus elongatus
What is Tillus elongatus?
Tillus elongatus is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Tillus elongatus found?
Habitat: Generally found in old woodland and parkland with old trees.
When is Tillus elongatus active?
Tillus elongatus: seasonal activity - From May through summer..
What is the life cycle of a Tillus elongatus?
Both adults and larvae are predators of other insects. The eggs are laid in dead wood.