Tyloderma baridium
This record describes Tyloderma baridium (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Elytral humeri very narrowly exposed at base. Oval, gradually pointed behind. Black, feebly tinged with bronze; finely alutaceous. Beak and head rather finely and deeply punctate; frontal fovea small, feeble. |
| Thorax | Thorax slightly wider than long, apex much narrower than base, disc finely but deeply, remotely and evenly punctate. |
| Elytra | Elytra very slightly wider at base than thorax, disc with rows of small, remote punctures becoming nearly obsolete towards apex; intervals each with a row of very fine punctures bearing minute white hairs. Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Type Locality: Texas |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptorhynchinae
- Tribe
- Cryptorhynchini
- Genus
- Tyloderma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NM-LA, OK-NE, FL(?), NJ(?) / Mex. - Map , most records s.TX to OK, lit. only record from FL , not sure what the source of the NJ record is ( ?), but it's likely dubious.
Seasonal Activity
yr round, peak abundance Oct-Dec ( 8 ) , mating around porch lights till late December in e.-c.TX [=v=], Adults, sometimes in large numbers, often invade houses during late fall. ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: many plants, incl. cotton, Oenothera, Gaura, Opuntia , etc. ( 10 ) ( 7 ) Adults are extremely abundant on the ground beneath cutleaf evening primrose ( Oenothera laciniata , Onagraceae), during the spring months. The larvae feed on the roots of this plant. ( 4 )
Life History
may be abundant at lights
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tyloderma baridium LeConte 1876
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tyloderma baridium. 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 Tyloderma baridium (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tyloderma baridium
What is Tyloderma baridium?
Tyloderma baridium is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tyloderma baridium?
3.4‒5.4 mm sans head ( 5 )
How do you identify Tyloderma baridium?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Elytral humeri very narrowly exposed at base. Oval, gradually pointed behind. Black, feebly tinged with bronze; finely alutaceous. Beak and head rather finely and deeply punctate; frontal fovea small, feeble. |
| Thorax | Thorax slightly wider than long, apex much narrower than base, disc finely but deeply, remotely and evenly punctate. |
| Elytra | Elytra very slightly wider at base than thorax, disc with rows of small, remote punctures becoming nearly obsolete towards apex; intervals each with a row of very fine punctures bearing minute white hairs. Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 |
Where is Tyloderma baridium found?
Range: NM-LA, OK-NE, FL(?), NJ(?) / Mex. - Map , most records s.TX to OK, lit. only record from FL , not sure what the source of the NJ record is ( ?), but it's likely dubious.
What does Tyloderma baridium eat?
The diet of the Tyloderma baridium includes hosts: many plants, incl. cotton, Oenothera, Gaura, Opuntia , etc. ( 10 ) ( 7 ) Adults are extremely abundant on the ground beneath cutleaf evening primrose ( Oenothera laciniata , Onagraceae), during the spring months. The larvae feed on the roots of this plant. ( 4 ).
When is Tyloderma baridium active?
Tyloderma baridium: seasonal activity - yr round, peak abundance Oct-Dec ( 8 ) , mating around porch lights till late December in e.-c.TX [=v=], Adults, sometimes in large numbers, often invade houses during late fall. ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Tyloderma baridium?
may be abundant at lights