Cerotoma ruficornis
This record describes Cerotoma ruficornis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
males have neat modified antennae (E. G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2013)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Luperini
- Genus
- Cerotoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.TX, c.-s.FL / W. Indies / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
asso. w/ Fabaceae, reported from Cajanus cajan, Desmodium incanum, Glycine max, Dolichos lablab, Medicago sativa, Phaseolus lunatus, P. vulgaris, Pisum sativum, Pueraria phaseoloides, Vicia faba, and Vigna unguiculata , in southern Texas, collected adults from Vigna luteola ( 4 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cerotoma ruficornis. 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 Cerotoma ruficornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cerotoma ruficornis
What is Cerotoma ruficornis?
Cerotoma ruficornis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cerotoma ruficornis?
5.5 mm
Where is Cerotoma ruficornis found?
Range: s.TX, c.-s.FL / W. Indies / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map
What is the life cycle of a Cerotoma ruficornis?
asso. w/ Fabaceae, reported from Cajanus cajan, Desmodium incanum, Glycine max, Dolichos lablab, Medicago sativa, Phaseolus lunatus, P. vulgaris, Pisum sativum, Pueraria phaseoloides, Vicia faba, and Vigna unguiculata , in southern Texas, collected adults from Vigna luteola ( 4 )