Trichodesma texanum
This record describes Trichodesma texanum (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, nr. Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX (Schaeffer 1903)
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
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) / Mexico ("Matamoros"- here presumed to be in Tamaulipas). - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: June, July, August, September, October. ,(BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae of Trichodesma are known to bore in wood. (White 1982)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trichodesma texanum Schaeffer, 1903
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trichodesma texanum. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trichodesma texanum
What is Trichodesma texanum?
Trichodesma texanum is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Trichodesma texanum?
Length is 4.6-4.9 mm. ( 3 )
Where is Trichodesma texanum found?
Range: southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) / Mexico (Matamoros- here presumed to be in Tamaulipas). - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
When is Trichodesma texanum active?
Trichodesma texanum: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: June, July, August, September, October. ,(BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Trichodesma texanum?
Larvae of Trichodesma are known to bore in wood. (White 1982)