Trichodesma pulchellum
This record describes Trichodesma pulchellum (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
...a narrow strongly dentate median band and apex with a denser white pubescence. (Schaeffer 1903) Det. E. G. Riley Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, near Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX. (Schaeffer 1903) Texas considers this sp. a SGCN ( 6 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Anobiinae
- Tribe
- Nicobiini
- Genus
- Trichodesma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A number of this beautiful species I obtained by beating ebony, but it occurred on different other trees also, but rarely. (Schaeffer 1903)
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.) and Mexico (Querétaro) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, July.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: collected ex Texas persimmon - Diospyros texana (Ebonaceae) ( 4 )
Life History
Larvae of Trichodesma are known to bore in wood. (White 1982)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trichodesma pulchellum Schaeffer, 1903
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trichodesma pulchellum. 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 Trichodesma pulchellum (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Trichodesma pulchellum
What is Trichodesma pulchellum?
Trichodesma pulchellum is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Trichodesma pulchellum?
Length, 4.25-7 mm ( 4 )
How do you identify Trichodesma pulchellum?
...a narrow strongly dentate median band and apex with a denser white pubescence. (Schaeffer 1903) Det. E. G. Riley
Where is Trichodesma pulchellum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | A number of this beautiful species I obtained by beating ebony, but it occurred on different other trees also, but rarely. (Schaeffer 1903) |
| Range | southmost TX (Cameron Co.) and Mexico (Querétaro) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) |
What does Trichodesma pulchellum eat?
The diet of the Trichodesma pulchellum includes collected ex Texas persimmon - Diospyros texana (Ebonaceae) ( 4 ).
When is Trichodesma pulchellum active?
Trichodesma pulchellum: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, July..
What is the life cycle of a Trichodesma pulchellum?
Larvae of Trichodesma are known to bore in wood. (White 1982)