Ecyrus penicillatus
This record describes Ecyrus penicillatus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
uncommon sp. resembles a bird dropping when resting on dead twigs or in a death-feigning posture (legs and antennae drawn tight to the body) on the beating sheet ( 4 ) attracted to lights ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Pogonocherini
- Genus
- Ecyrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
palm forest in U.S.
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron County) / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 5 )
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, July, August, September, October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval Host: Ebony ( Ebenopsis ebano , Fabaceae) ( 6 ) Most material beaten from dead branches of Celtis or Salix ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ecyrus penicillatus Bates 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ecyrus penicillatus. 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 Ecyrus penicillatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecyrus penicillatus
What is Ecyrus penicillatus?
Ecyrus penicillatus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ecyrus penicillatus?
body length 7.0-10.5 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Ecyrus penicillatus?
uncommon sp. resembles a bird dropping when resting on dead twigs or in a death-feigning posture (legs and antennae drawn tight to the body) on the beating sheet ( 4 )
Where is Ecyrus penicillatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | palm forest in U.S. |
| Range | southmost TX (Cameron County) / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 5 ) |
What does Ecyrus penicillatus eat?
The diet of the Ecyrus penicillatus includes Larval Host: Ebony ( Ebenopsis ebano , Fabaceae) ( 6 ) Most material beaten from dead branches of Celtis or Salix ( 4 ).
When is Ecyrus penicillatus active?
Ecyrus penicillatus: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, July, August, September, October..