Toxonotus bipunctatus
This record describes Toxonotus bipunctatus (species). Recorded family: Anthribidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from any of our species by the black spots near basal angles of thorax, the divergent thoracic lines and the basal fascia extending along the sides to the middle of elytra. (Schaeffer 1904) Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, and San Tomas (now: Sabal Palm Sanctuary), Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Anthribidae (Fungus Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Anthribinae
- Tribe
- Platystomini
- Genus
- Toxonotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron, Hidalgo Counties) to Panama - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: bipunctatus = 'two-spotted' [reference to black spots at basal angles of pronotum]
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Toxonotus bipunctatus. 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 Toxonotus bipunctatus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Toxonotus bipunctatus
What is Toxonotus bipunctatus?
Toxonotus bipunctatus is a species in the family Anthribidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Toxonotus bipunctatus?
4-4.25 mm (Schaeffer 1904)
How do you identify Toxonotus bipunctatus?
Distinguished from any of our species by the black spots near basal angles of thorax, the divergent thoracic lines and the basal fascia extending along the sides to the middle of elytra. (Schaeffer 1904)
Where is Toxonotus bipunctatus found?
Range: southmost TX (Cameron, Hidalgo Counties) to Panama - Map