Dorcasina matthewsi
This record describes Dorcasina matthewsi (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The species was described from pinned specimens so the color of the elytra is said to be testaceous, note that the living specimen is actually yellow. The females tend to have black antennae and legs, while the males are reddish brown (as mentioned in the key). The spots are variable, the typical having just the middle spot (more reduced) and infuscated elytral tips.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lepturinae
- Tribe
- Lepturini
- Genus
- Dorcasina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dorcasina matthewsii (LeConte 1869)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dorcasina matthewsi. 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 Dorcasina matthewsi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov