Pelonides quadripunctata
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Cleroidea
- Family: Cleridae
- Subfamily: Enopliinae
- Genus: Pelonides
- Species: quadripunctata
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pelonides quadripunctata: /ˌpɛloʊˈnaɪdiːz ˌkwɒdrɪˌpʌŋkˈteɪtə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The Four-spotted Checkered Beetle, Pelonides quadripunctata, is a species of checkered beetle known for its entirely black forebody and attraction to flowers in the southeastern United States.
Physical Characteristics
4.5–8.0 mm in length; forebody (head+prothorax) is entirely black. Individuals with any red marking on the forebody are identified as P. quadrinotata.
Identification Tips
Look for entirely black forebody; if red is present, identify as P. quadrinotata.
Habitat
Adults are found in habitats with flowers, as they are attracted to certain flowering plants.
Distribution
Recorded in regions from Ohio and Illinois to Kansas, Alabama, and Texas, with additional records from North Carolina and Maryland. Look for them in South Carolina and Georgia.
Diet
Adults visit flowers of various plants including Pyracantha, Cornus, Crataegus, Prosopis, Prunus, Quercus. Larvae have been reared from Black Walnut (Juglans nigra).
Ecosystem Role
Pelonides quadripunctata serves an important role in the ecosystem by visiting flowers and potentially helping in pollination.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- beetles
- Coleoptera
- Cleridae
- checkered beetles
- Pelonides quadripunctata