Cyrtinus pygmaeus
This record describes Cyrtinus pygmaeus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Base of elytron with acute dorsal tubercles ( 3 ) Det. E. R. Riley, 2003 Possibly our smallest longhorn species ( 5 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Cyrtinini
- Genus
- Cyrtinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US to ne. Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
March-July ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed in the dry branches of numerous hardwoods, esp. Quercus ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: pygaemus (G). 'a dwarf'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cyrtinus pygmaeus. 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 Cyrtinus pygmaeus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Thrasher
Frequently Asked Questions About Cyrtinus pygmaeus
What is Cyrtinus pygmaeus?
Cyrtinus pygmaeus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cyrtinus pygmaeus?
About 3-4 mm or less ( 3 )
How do you identify Cyrtinus pygmaeus?
Base of elytron with acute dorsal tubercles ( 3 ) Det. E. R. Riley, 2003
Where is Cyrtinus pygmaeus found?
Range: e. US to ne. Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Cyrtinus pygmaeus eat?
The diet of the Cyrtinus pygmaeus includes Larvae feed in the dry branches of numerous hardwoods, esp. Quercus ( 3 ).
When is Cyrtinus pygmaeus active?
Cyrtinus pygmaeus: seasonal activity - March-July ( 3 ).