Dorcasta cinerea
This record describes Dorcasta cinerea (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorcasta cinerea (Dorcasta cinerea) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as longhorn beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Apomecynini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Chrysomeloidea. This species belongs to the genus Dorcasta. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 6-11 mm. Active during Jun-Nov (BG data).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Apomecynini
- Genus
- Dorcasta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
KS to e. NM to ne. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Nov ( 3 ) (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Stem borers of living herbaceous plants ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: cinerea (L). 'ashes'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dorcasta cinerea. 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 Dorcasta cinerea (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dorcasta cinerea
What is Dorcasta cinerea?
Dorcasta cinerea is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dorcasta cinerea?
6-11 mm
Where is Dorcasta cinerea found?
Range: KS to e. NM to ne. Mex. - Map
What does Dorcasta cinerea eat?
The diet of the Dorcasta cinerea includes Stem borers of living herbaceous plants ( 3 ).
When is Dorcasta cinerea active?
Dorcasta cinerea: seasonal activity - Jun-Nov ( 3 ) (BG data).