Amphicerus simplex
This record describes Amphicerus simplex (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra at base slightly narrower than pronotum at middle, truncate at base, without tubercles or callosities on apical declivity ; sutural margins strongly elevated on apical declivity; sides slightly expanded posteriorly, conjointly broadly rounded at apices, margins not elevated; surface coarsely, densely, irregularly punctate, more or less rugose, with a few very short, erect hairs. Type locality: Southwestern Texas
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Bostrichidae (Horned Powder-post Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bostrichinae
- Tribe
- Bostrichini
- Genus
- Amphicerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se. CA to w. TX (to Eagle Pass) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reared from yellow paloverde ( Parkinsonia microphylla ), blue paloverde ( Parkinsonia florida (= Cercidium torreyanum )), and mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum(?) (=[i]flavescens ).
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amphicerus simplex. 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 Amphicerus simplex (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Amphicerus simplex
What is Amphicerus simplex?
Amphicerus simplex is a species in the family Bostrichidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Amphicerus simplex?
6.5-9 mm
How do you identify Amphicerus simplex?
Elytra at base slightly narrower than pronotum at middle, truncate at base, without tubercles or callosities on apical declivity ; sutural margins strongly elevated on apical declivity; sides slightly expanded posteriorly, conjointly broadly rounded at apices, margins not elevated; surface coarsely, densely, irregularly punctate, more or less rugose, with a few very short, erect hairs.
Where is Amphicerus simplex found?
Range: se. CA to w. TX (to Eagle Pass) - Map
What does Amphicerus simplex eat?
The diet of the Amphicerus simplex includes reared from yellow paloverde ( Parkinsonia microphylla ), blue paloverde ( Parkinsonia florida (= Cercidium torreyanum )), and mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum(?) (=[i]flavescens )..