Cregya oculata
This record describes Cregya oculata (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytral disc uniformly brown, elytral margins testaceous; pronotal disc with two brown spots comes to lights
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Peloniinae
- Genus
- Cregya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (MA-FL to KS-TX)
Seasonal Activity
Most specimens collected during the Spring and Summer
Diet and Behavior
Diet: bark beetle and cerambycid larvae ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cregya oculata. 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 Cregya oculata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cregya oculata
What is Cregya oculata?
Cregya oculata is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cregya oculata?
Length 4.3-6.5 mm
How do you identify Cregya oculata?
Elytral disc uniformly brown, elytral margins testaceous; pronotal disc with two brown spots
Where is Cregya oculata found?
Range: e. US (MA-FL to KS-TX)
What does Cregya oculata eat?
The diet of the Cregya oculata includes bark beetle and cerambycid larvae ( 3 ).
When is Cregya oculata active?
Cregya oculata: seasonal activity - Most specimens collected during the Spring and Summer.