Slender Lizard Beetle
Acropteroxys gracilis
This record describes Acropteroxys gracilis (species). Recorded family: Erotylidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
narrower and shorter than A. lecontei , with elytra more pointed and the intervals more sparsely punctate; thoracic mark, when present, is never in the center of the thorax
Wikipedia reference for Acropteroxys gracilis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acropteroxys_gracilis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Erotylidae (Pleasing Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Erotylinae
- Tribe
- Languriini
- Genus
- Acropteroxys
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
primarily associated with Ambrosia spp. (Majka et al. 2010), e.g. common ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia , Asteraceae) ( Piper 1978 ) also in Conyza canadensis (Asteraceae) ( 4 )
Geographic Range
NB‒SK‒ID to SC‒TX‒AZ to C.America
Seasonal Activity
Jan‒Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acropteroxys gracilis (Newman 1838)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acropteroxys gracilis. 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 Slender Lizard Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Slender Lizard Beetle
What is Slender Lizard Beetle?
Slender Lizard Beetle (Acropteroxys gracilis) is a species in the family Erotylidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Slender Lizard Beetle?
6‒12 mm
How do you identify Slender Lizard Beetle?
narrower and shorter than A. lecontei , with elytra more pointed and the intervals more sparsely punctate; thoracic mark, when present, is never in the center of the thorax
Where is Slender Lizard Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | primarily associated with Ambrosia spp. (Majka et al. 2010), e.g. common ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia , Asteraceae) ( Piper 1978 ) also in Conyza canadensis (Asteraceae) ( 4 ) |
| Range | NB‒SK‒ID to SC‒TX‒AZ to C.America |
When is Slender Lizard Beetle active?
Slender Lizard Beetle: seasonal activity - Jan‒Oct.