Dectes texanus
This record describes Dectes texanus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
outer apex of femora dark reddish-brown to black, tarsi unicolorous, lower eye lobe usually subequal to genal area in D. sayi , outer apex of femora gray, tarsi basally pale, lower eye lobe usually shorter than genal area fairly common
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Acanthocinini
- Genus
- Dectes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.US to se.AZ / n-c Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae are stem borers of Ambrosia, Gaillardia, Helianthus, Solidago (Asteraceae) and many other herbaceous plants.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dectes texanus LeConte 1862
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dectes texanus. 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 Dectes texanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dectes texanus
What is Dectes texanus?
Dectes texanus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dectes texanus?
5‒11 mm
How do you identify Dectes texanus?
outer apex of femora dark reddish-brown to black, tarsi unicolorous, lower eye lobe usually subequal to genal area in D. sayi , outer apex of femora gray, tarsi basally pale, lower eye lobe usually shorter than genal area
Where is Dectes texanus found?
Range: e.US to se.AZ / n-c Mex. - Map
What does Dectes texanus eat?
The diet of the Dectes texanus includes larvae are stem borers of Ambrosia, Gaillardia, Helianthus, Solidago (Asteraceae) and many other herbaceous plants..