Coenopoeus palmeri
This record describes Coenopoeus palmeri (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

The amount of pale pubescence on the elytra varies considerably. All black individuals are encountered in s. AZ and NM ( 3 ) Type Locality: Ariz ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Acanthocinini
- Genus
- Coenopoeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. CA to w. TX, s. NV / ne Mex - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , most records in AZ
Seasonal Activity
May-Sept ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: walkingstick cactus ( Cylindropuntia [=Opuntia] spinosior , Cactaceae) in AZ ( 5 ) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym honors Dr. Edward (Henry) Palmer who collected the type spmn. Palmer was an Acting Assistant Surgeon in the U.S. Army, and was later employed by the USDA from 1865-1889. He was an amateur ethnologist, anthropologist, geologist and meteorologist. In his free time, he collected plants, birds and insects.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coenopoeus palmeri. 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 Coenopoeus palmeri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Coenopoeus palmeri
What is Coenopoeus palmeri?
Coenopoeus palmeri is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Coenopoeus palmeri?
15-27 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Coenopoeus palmeri?
The amount of pale pubescence on the elytra varies considerably. All black individuals are encountered in s. AZ and NM ( 3 )
Where is Coenopoeus palmeri found?
Range: s. CA to w. TX, s. NV / ne Mex - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , most records in AZ
What does Coenopoeus palmeri eat?
The diet of the Coenopoeus palmeri includes walkingstick cactus ( Cylindropuntia [=Opuntia] spinosior , Cactaceae) in AZ ( 5 ) ( 3 ).
When is Coenopoeus palmeri active?
Coenopoeus palmeri: seasonal activity - May-Sept ( 3 ).
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