Aneflus protensus
This record describes Aneflus protensus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Elaphidiini
- Genus
- Aneflus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.CA‒TX & n.Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host: Prosopis juliflora (Mimosaceae)
Life History
takes 2 yrs; eggs laid in bark crevices at the forks of small branches. The larvae bore into the branch and hollow it out. Frass is extruded through small holes in the bark. Black, watery liquid drips from these holes and stains the foliage and ground beneath. The interior of a larval mine is always stained black.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aneflus protensus (LeConte 1858)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aneflus protensus. 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 Aneflus protensus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Aneflus protensus
How big is Aneflus protensus?
20‒30 mm
Where is Aneflus protensus found?
Range: s.CA‒TX & n.Mexico
What does Aneflus protensus eat?
The diet of the Aneflus protensus includes Host: Prosopis juliflora (Mimosaceae).
What is the life cycle of a Aneflus protensus?
takes 2 yrs; eggs laid in bark crevices at the forks of small branches. The larvae bore into the branch and hollow it out. Frass is extruded through small holes in the bark. Black, watery liquid drips from these holes and stains the foliage and ground beneath. The interior of a larval mine is always stained black.