Xylomeira tridens
This record describes Xylomeira tridens (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Forestry Images
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Bostrichidae (Horned Powder-post Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bostrichinae
- Tribe
- Xyloperthini
- Genus
- Xylomeira
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se AZ, southmost TX (Cameron, Hidalgo Co.), s. FL / Mex. to C. Amer. / W. Indies - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
reared from the following Fabaceae: retama ( Parkinsonia aculeata ), huisache ( Vachellia (=Acacia) farnesiana ), royal poinciana ( Poinciana sp.), and dead tamarind ( Tamarindus sp.).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xylomeira tridens (Fabricius 1792)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xylomeira tridens. 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 Xylomeira tridens (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Xylomeira tridens
How big is Xylomeira tridens?
3-5 mm
How do you identify Xylomeira tridens?
Forestry Images
Where is Xylomeira tridens found?
Range: se AZ, southmost TX (Cameron, Hidalgo Co.), s. FL / Mex. to C. Amer. / W. Indies - Map
What is the life cycle of a Xylomeira tridens?
reared from the following Fabaceae: retama ( Parkinsonia aculeata ), huisache ( Vachellia (=Acacia) farnesiana ), royal poinciana ( Poinciana sp.), and dead tamarind ( Tamarindus sp.).