Axylophilus yuccae
This record describes Axylophilus yuccae (species). Recorded family: Aderidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
two fasciae just before the middle and at apical fourth respectively the elytral pigmentation varies from pale with few markings to entirely brown-black among these specimens Type locality: Florida, Putnam Co., Crescent City. all TX spmns coll'ed via beating or flight-intercept or other trapping methods, none were coll'ed at UV lights
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Aderidae (Ant-like Leaf Beetles)
- Tribe
- Phytobaenini
- Genus
- Axylophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.FL & southmost TX (Cameron Co.) - Map , long series from the Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Brownsville, TX; no modern records coll'ed in FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: yuccas and palms "This exceedingly interesting species was taken abundantly by Messrs. Hubbard and Schwarz, on plants of the genus Yucca ." , oddly this sp. hasn't been recorded in FL since.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Axylophilus yuccae Casey 1895
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Axylophilus yuccae. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Axylophilus yuccae
What is Axylophilus yuccae?
Axylophilus yuccae is a species in the family Aderidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Axylophilus yuccae?
.75 to ~2 mm (BG data), spmns from TX are larger than those from FL
How do you identify Axylophilus yuccae?
two fasciae just before the middle and at apical fourth respectively the elytral pigmentation varies from pale with few markings to entirely brown-black among these specimens
Where is Axylophilus yuccae found?
Range: e.FL & southmost TX (Cameron Co.) - Map , long series from the Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Brownsville, TX; no modern records coll'ed in FL
What does Axylophilus yuccae eat?
The diet of the Axylophilus yuccae includes yuccas and palms This exceedingly interesting species was taken abundantly by Messrs. Hubbard and Schwarz, on plants of the genus Yucca . , oddly this sp. hasn't been recorded in FL since..