Anelaphus moestus
This record describes Anelaphus moestus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Anelaphus moestus (Anelaphus moestus) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as longhorn beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Elaphidiini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Chrysomeloidea. This species belongs to the genus Anelaphus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 9‒15 mm. Active during mostly Jun‒Aug.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Elaphidiini
- Genus
- Anelaphus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
disjunct populations: s. Great Plains to s. Rockies, and se.US (CO-AZ to MO-TX, NC‒s.FL) / n. Mex. - Map , mostly TX & FL
Seasonal Activity
mostly Jun‒Aug ( 5 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts include: Juglans, Quercus, Celtis, Rhus ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anelaphus moestus (LeConte 1854)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anelaphus moestus. 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 Anelaphus moestus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Anelaphus moestus
What is Anelaphus moestus?
Anelaphus moestus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anelaphus moestus?
9‒15 mm
Where is Anelaphus moestus found?
Range: disjunct populations: s. Great Plains to s. Rockies, and se.US (CO-AZ to MO-TX, NC‒s.FL) / n. Mex. - Map , mostly TX & FL
What does Anelaphus moestus eat?
The diet of the Anelaphus moestus includes Larval hosts include: Juglans, Quercus, Celtis, Rhus ( 5 ).
When is Anelaphus moestus active?
Anelaphus moestus: seasonal activity - mostly Jun‒Aug ( 5 ) ( 4 ).