Ctenicera cuprea
This record describes Ctenicera cuprea (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 11 to 16 mm. A large, very elongated and variable species. Colour combinations include dark yellow elytra with green tips and a green pronotum, wholly green or wholly purple. There is a conspicuous dipped line down the centre of the pronotum and the elytra are ridged. Most specimens have a very metallic appearance. Males have very long and pectinate antennae, whilst females have shorter and plainer, but noticeably segmented antennae. The legs are black. Associated with heath and moorland habitat. Adults are usually seen from May to July - males are particularly conspicuous resting at the tops of grasses and on flowers of umbellifers and thistles. Fairly frequent species in the north and west of England and Wales and in much of Scotland. Range extends down to Northamptonshire, with scattered records in the south-west.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Ctenicera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with heath and moorland habitat.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are usually seen from May to July - males are particularly conspicuous resting at the tops of grasses and on flowers of umbellifers and thistles.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae develop in soil.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent species in the north and west of England and Wales and in much of Scotland. Range extends down to Northamptonshire, with scattered records in the south-west.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ctenicera cuprea. 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 Ctenicera cuprea (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ctenicera cuprea
What is Ctenicera cuprea?
Ctenicera cuprea is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ctenicera cuprea?
11 to 16 mm. A large, very elongated and variable species. Colour combinations include dark yellow elytra with green tips and a green pronotum, wholly green or wholly purple. There is a conspicuous dipped line down the centre of the pronotum and the elytra are ridged. Most specimens have a very metallic appearance. Males have very long and pectinate antennae, whilst females have shorter and plainer, but noticeably segmented antennae. The legs are black.
Where is Ctenicera cuprea found?
Habitat: Associated with heath and moorland habitat.
When is Ctenicera cuprea active?
Ctenicera cuprea: seasonal activity - Adults are usually seen from May to July - males are particularly conspicuous resting at the tops of grasses and on flowers of umbellifers and thistles..
What is the life cycle of a Ctenicera cuprea?
Larvae develop in soil.