Variegated Longhorned Beetle
Astyleiopus variegatus
This record describes Astyleiopus variegatus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Astyleiopus is a genus of beetles in the family Cerambycidae. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species, Astyleiopus variegatus.
Identification notes
coloration variable, spots at apex of elytra distinctive
Wikipedia reference for Astyleiopus variegatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astyleiopus variegatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Acanthocinini
- Genus
- Astyleiopus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
MA‒GA to AB‒TX - Map , mostly east to Great Plains, uncommon along Gulf and s. Atlantic coasts
Diet and Behavior
Diet: branches of deciduous & coniferous trees, shrubs, vines larval hosts: Castanea, Juglans, Morus, Ulmus, Robinia, Celastrus
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Astyleiopus variegatus (Haldeman 1847)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Astyleiopus variegatus. 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 Variegated Longhorned Beetle (8)
Photo credits: (c) Ann Gordon, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ann Gordon | (c) Steve Pelikan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Steve Pelikan | (c) Alain Hogue, all rights reserved, uploaded by Alain Hogue | (c) Dusty, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Dusty | (c) Gabe King, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Gabe King | Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Robin McLeod , Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Variegated Longhorned Beetle
What is Variegated Longhorned Beetle?
Variegated Longhorned Beetle (Astyleiopus variegatus) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Variegated Longhorned Beetle?
7‒11 mm
How do you identify Variegated Longhorned Beetle?
coloration variable, spots at apex of elytra distinctive
Where is Variegated Longhorned Beetle found?
Range: MA‒GA to AB‒TX - Map , mostly east to Great Plains, uncommon along Gulf and s. Atlantic coasts
What does Variegated Longhorned Beetle eat?
The diet of the Variegated Longhorned Beetle includes branches of deciduous & coniferous trees, shrubs, vines larval hosts: Castanea, Juglans, Morus, Ulmus, Robinia, Celastrus.