Triachus cerinus
This record describes Triachus cerinus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Cryptocephalini
- Genus
- Triachus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species has been reported from Baccharis halimifolia, Cliftonia monophylla, Cyrilla racemiflora, Ceratiola ericoides, Kalmia, Quercus, Myrica, Ceanothus americanus , and Rhus terebinthifolia . In Puerto Rico, it was taken from flowers of Randia aculeata .
Geographic Range
e. US (e. coast, + AL) / W. Indies State Records: AL, CT, FL, GA, MA, ME, NC, NJ, NY, RI, SC, VA
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Triachus cerinus. 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 Triachus cerinus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn