Embossed Hawthorn Buprestid
Dicerca lepida
This record describes Dicerca lepida (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dicerca lepida, the embossed hawthorn buprestid, is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America and varies in size between 13.5 and 17.5 millimetres (0.53 and 0.69 in).
Wikipedia reference for Dicerca lepida: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dicerca_lepida.
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
e. US (NM-GA-NY-KS) - Map , mostly ne US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in hawthorn ( Crataegus ; favored host), hophornbeam ( Ostrya ); adults also on oak
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dicerca lepida LeConte 1857
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dicerca lepida. 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 Embossed Hawthorn Buprestid (2)
Photo credits: no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel | Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Embossed Hawthorn Buprestid
What is Embossed Hawthorn Buprestid?
Embossed Hawthorn Buprestid (Dicerca lepida) is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Embossed Hawthorn Buprestid?
13.5-17.5 mm
Where is Embossed Hawthorn Buprestid found?
Range: e. US (NM-GA-NY-KS) - Map , mostly ne US
What does Embossed Hawthorn Buprestid eat?
The diet of the Embossed Hawthorn Buprestid includes Larvae in hawthorn ( Crataegus ; favored host), hophornbeam ( Ostrya ); adults also on oak.