Desmiphora aegrota
This record describes Desmiphora aegrota (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The small size, pale ground color, and fasciculate tufts or pencils of erect or sub-erect hairs in addition to the vestiture of long erect hairs are distinctive. ( 3 ) Texas considers this a SGCN ( 7 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Desmiphorini
- Genus
- Desmiphora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.) to Panama - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: April, May, June, September, October, and November.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Turk's cap - Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Desmiphora aegrota Bates 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Desmiphora aegrota. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Desmiphora aegrota
What is Desmiphora aegrota?
Desmiphora aegrota is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Desmiphora aegrota?
body is ca. 4.5-6.75 mm in length ( 3 )
How do you identify Desmiphora aegrota?
The small size, pale ground color, and fasciculate tufts or pencils of erect or sub-erect hairs in addition to the vestiture of long erect hairs are distinctive. ( 3 )
Where is Desmiphora aegrota found?
Range: southmost TX (Cameron Co.) to Panama - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 )
What does Desmiphora aegrota eat?
The diet of the Desmiphora aegrota includes Turk's cap - Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii ( 6 ).
When is Desmiphora aegrota active?
Desmiphora aegrota: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: April, May, June, September, October, and November..