Lagriini

Lagriini

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lagriini: /læˈɡriːiːnaɪ/

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

Images

Arthromacra aenea by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Darkling Beetle - Arthromacra aenea, Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Arthromacra aenea (47156231682) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Statira gagatina (10.3897-zookeys.728.20602) Figure 5 by Bousquet Y, Thomas DB, Bouchard P, Smith AD, Aalbu RL, Johnston AM, Steiner WE Jr (2018) Catalogue of Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera) of North America. ZooKeys 728: 1-455. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.728.20602. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Lagriini is a tribe of long-jointed beetles within the subfamily Lagriinae of the family Tenebrionidae. This tribe includes a small number of species locally, while being more diverse globally. Their larvae contribute to the breakdown of decaying plant material, making them important for ecological health.

Physical Characteristics

Adults of Lagriinae are mostly medium-sized (5-12 mm). They exhibit the typical Tenebrionidae features, including a 5-5-4 tarsal formula and antennal bases hidden by canthi. Eyes are usually deeply emarginate and may partly surround the antennal bases. The last antennal segment is either the longest or the widest segment and often sexually dimorphic. The head is as broad as the pronotum and often constricted behind the eyes, and the pronotum is generally narrower than the base of the elytra, broadest at the base with sinuate or constricted sides.

Identification Tips

Examine the tarsal formula (5-5-4), deeply emarginate eyes, and the shape of the head in relation to the pronotum. Look for the distinctive features of the last antennal segment.

Habitat

Lagriinae larvae inhabit decaying vegetation and can be found in stumps and under bark.

Distribution

18 species in 2 genera in our area, 83 genera worldwide.

Diet

Lagriinae larvae feed on decaying vegetation.

Ecosystem Role

Lagriinae play a role in the decomposition of organic matter by feeding on decaying vegetation.

Tags

  • beetles
  • Lagriini
  • Tenebrionidae
  • Lagriinae