Elytroleptus floridanus
This record describes Elytroleptus floridanus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytroleptus floridanus (Elytroleptus floridanus) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as longhorn beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Trachyderini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Chrysomeloidea. This species belongs to the genus Elytroleptus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 8-11 mm. Active during mostly Apr-Jun.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Trachyderini
- Genus
- Elytroleptus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (MA-FL to ON-MO-TX) - Map , primarily along the Gulf Coast and eastern seaboard
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-Jun ( 7 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae known to develop in oaks, Quercus spp. ( 8 )
Life History
sp. greatly resembles lycid beetles on which the adults are presumed to feed ( a unique occurrence of predatory adults in Cerambycidae ); whether this is an obligate predatory relationship is uncertain, as the feeding may be only to obtain defensive chemicals from the lycids rather than for nourishment.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Elytroleptus floridanus. 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 Elytroleptus floridanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Elytroleptus floridanus
What is Elytroleptus floridanus?
Elytroleptus floridanus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Elytroleptus floridanus?
8-11 mm
Where is Elytroleptus floridanus found?
Range: e. US (MA-FL to ON-MO-TX) - Map , primarily along the Gulf Coast and eastern seaboard
What does Elytroleptus floridanus eat?
The diet of the Elytroleptus floridanus includes larvae known to develop in oaks, Quercus spp. ( 8 ).
When is Elytroleptus floridanus active?
Elytroleptus floridanus: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-Jun ( 7 ).
What is the life cycle of a Elytroleptus floridanus?
sp. greatly resembles lycid beetles on which the adults are presumed to feed ( a unique occurrence of predatory adults in Cerambycidae ); whether this is an obligate predatory relationship is uncertain, as the feeding may be only to obtain defensive chemicals from the lycids rather than for nourishment.