Enoclerus lunatus
This record describes Enoclerus lunatus (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Each elytron with one crescent-shaped creamy white slightly elevated lunula located behind the middle, the punctation of the lunula being much less coarse and dense than the remaining elytral regions, the pubescence on the lunula no more dense than the remaining elytral regions
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Clerinae
- Genus
- Enoclerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-NY-KS) , widely dist. in FL
Seasonal Activity
coll'ed nearly every month in FL
Diet and Behavior
Life History
One specimen was collected in the nest of Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Label data did not suggest whether or not the specimen of E. lunatus was collected alive.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Enoclerus lunatus (Klug, 1842)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Enoclerus lunatus. 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 Enoclerus lunatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Enoclerus lunatus
What is Enoclerus lunatus?
Enoclerus lunatus is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Enoclerus lunatus?
Each elytron with one crescent-shaped creamy white slightly elevated lunula located behind the middle, the punctation of the lunula being much less coarse and dense than the remaining elytral regions, the pubescence on the lunula no more dense than the remaining elytral regions
Where is Enoclerus lunatus found?
Range: e US (TX-FL-NY-KS) , widely dist. in FL
When is Enoclerus lunatus active?
Enoclerus lunatus: seasonal activity - coll'ed nearly every month in FL.
What is the life cycle of a Enoclerus lunatus?
One specimen was collected in the nest of Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Label data did not suggest whether or not the specimen of E. lunatus was collected alive.