Dicerca caudata
This record describes Dicerca caudata (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotum with lateral margins widest at base, subparallel to middle, then narrowly converging to the anterior angles; body moderately convex, usually cupreous above and more strongly below and on the elytral tips that are entire or truncate and usually divaricate; elytral striae faintly indicated
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysochroinae
- Tribe
- Dicercini
- Genus
- Dicerca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental (NS-BC south to NC-LA-CO-AZ)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larva on Alnus, Betula , adults also on Crataegus, Malus, Prunus
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dicerca caudata LeConte 1860
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dicerca caudata. 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 Dicerca caudata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Joshua P. Basham , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dicerca caudata
What is Dicerca caudata?
Dicerca caudata is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dicerca caudata?
♂♂ 13.9-18.0 mm long, 4.9-6.3 mm wide; ♀♀ 13.1-19.0 mm long, 4.8-6.7 mm wide
How do you identify Dicerca caudata?
pronotum with lateral margins widest at base, subparallel to middle, then narrowly converging to the anterior angles; body moderately convex, usually cupreous above and more strongly below and on the elytral tips that are entire or truncate and usually divaricate; elytral striae faintly indicated
Where is Dicerca caudata found?
Range: transcontinental (NS-BC south to NC-LA-CO-AZ)
What does Dicerca caudata eat?
The diet of the Dicerca caudata includes larva on Alnus, Betula , adults also on Crataegus, Malus, Prunus.