Anthaxia carya
This record describes Anthaxia carya (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Anthaxia carya is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Anthaxia carya: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthaxia carya.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Buprestinae
- Tribe
- Anthaxiini
- Genus
- Anthaxia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US (TX, AL, GA)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae in pecan - Carya illinoinensis (Juglandaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anthaxia carya Wellso and Jackman 2006
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anthaxia carya. 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 Anthaxia carya (4)
Photo credits: (c) Ashley Schmitz, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ashley Schmitz | (c) Joel DuBois, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Joel DuBois | Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthaxia carya
What is Anthaxia carya?
Anthaxia carya is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anthaxia carya?
3.3-5.6 mm
Where is Anthaxia carya found?
Range: se US (TX, AL, GA)
What does Anthaxia carya eat?
The diet of the Anthaxia carya includes larvae in pecan - Carya illinoinensis (Juglandaceae).