Brachyleptura vagans
This record describes Brachyleptura vagans (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Amount of red on elytra variable but umbone black. Typocerus lugubris is similarly colored, sometimes with umbone red but all-black antennae (vs banded in B. vagans ). B. champlaini is very similar.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lepturinae
- Tribe
- Lepturini
- Genus
- Brachyleptura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.NA (NS‒n.FL to MN‒AR)
Seasonal Activity
Apr‒Aug
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae in decaying hardwoods and conifers
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachyleptura vagans (Olivier 1795)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachyleptura vagans. 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 Brachyleptura vagans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachyleptura vagans
What is Brachyleptura vagans?
Brachyleptura vagans is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brachyleptura vagans?
8‒12 mm
How do you identify Brachyleptura vagans?
Amount of red on elytra variable but umbone black. Typocerus lugubris is similarly colored, sometimes with umbone red but all-black antennae (vs banded in B. vagans ). B. champlaini is very similar.
Where is Brachyleptura vagans found?
Range: e.NA (NS‒n.FL to MN‒AR)
When is Brachyleptura vagans active?
Brachyleptura vagans: seasonal activity - Apr‒Aug.
What is the life cycle of a Brachyleptura vagans?
Larvae in decaying hardwoods and conifers