Podabrus tomentosus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Elateroidea
Family: Cantharidae
Subfamily: Cantharinae
Tribe: Podabrini
Genus: Podabrus
Species: tomentosus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Podabrus tomentosus: //poʊˈdæbɹəs toʊˈmɛn.toʊ.səs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Podabrus tomentosus P1630595a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Podabrus tomentosus by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Podabrus tomentosus P1630721a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Podabrus tomentosus is a species of soldier beetle found predominantly in North America, characterized by its size and predatory habits on soft-bodied insects.

Physical Characteristics

7-12 mm in length.

Identification Tips

This species is recognized as a soldier beetle within the Cantharidae family.

Habitat

Found in various terrestrial habitats across North America.

Distribution

From New York, Ontario, and Minnesota stretching down to Maryland and Oklahoma.

Diet

Primarily feeds on soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, typical of beetles.

Reproduction

Female lays eggs in the soil or on vegetation where larvae can find food after hatching.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in controlling pest populations due to its predatory habits on aphids.