Aegomorphus modestus
This record describes Aegomorphus modestus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
M-shaped elytral markings on a mottled background combined with strong lateral pronotal spines are distinctive fairly common; attracted to lights and bait traps
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Acanthoderini
- Genus
- Aegomorphus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deciduous forests
Geographic Range
e.NA (QC‒FL to MB‒TX); Bahamas
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larval hosts: soft decaying hardwoods; pines
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aegomorphus modestus (Gyllenhal in Schoenherr 1817)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aegomorphus modestus. 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 Aegomorphus modestus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , lee_penner
Frequently Asked Questions About Aegomorphus modestus
What is Aegomorphus modestus?
Aegomorphus modestus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Aegomorphus modestus?
10‒16 mm
How do you identify Aegomorphus modestus?
M-shaped elytral markings on a mottled background combined with strong lateral pronotal spines are distinctive
Where is Aegomorphus modestus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deciduous forests |
| Range | e.NA (QC‒FL to MB‒TX); Bahamas |
What does Aegomorphus modestus eat?
The diet of the Aegomorphus modestus includes larval hosts: soft decaying hardwoods; pines.