Tricorynus texanus
This record describes Tricorynus texanus (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Texas considers this a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) ( 5 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Mesocoelopodinae
- Tribe
- Tricorynini
- Genus
- Tricorynus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL, s. TX (Cameron, Jim Wells, Hidalgo and Starr counties) / Mex. to Costa Rica - Map Peck & Thomas detail an extensive number of Tricorynus spp. from FL, but no T. texanus .
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Primary host appears to be Texas ebony beans ( Ebenopsis ebano )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tricorynus texanus White 1965
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tricorynus texanus. 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 Tricorynus texanus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Tricorynus texanus
What is Tricorynus texanus?
Tricorynus texanus is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Tricorynus texanus found?
Range: FL, s. TX (Cameron, Jim Wells, Hidalgo and Starr counties) / Mex. to Costa Rica - Map Peck & Thomas detail an extensive number of Tricorynus spp. from FL, but no T. texanus .
What does Tricorynus texanus eat?
The diet of the Tricorynus texanus includes Primary host appears to be Texas ebony beans ( Ebenopsis ebano ).
When is Tricorynus texanus active?
Tricorynus texanus: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October..