Epicaerus lepidotus
This record describes Epicaerus lepidotus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Described from eight specimens collected by E. A. Schwarz at San Antonio, Texas, May 9 and 10. It is also at hand from Cotulla and Brownsville, Texas. (Pierce 1910)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Geonemini
- Genus
- Epicaerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Edwards Plateau to s. TX - Map (Pierce 1910)
Seasonal Activity
mostly Mar-May (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: one spmn coll'ed beating TX red oak - Quercus buckleyi (BG Data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epicaerus lepidotus Pierce, 1910
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicaerus lepidotus. 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 Epicaerus lepidotus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicaerus lepidotus
What is Epicaerus lepidotus?
Epicaerus lepidotus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicaerus lepidotus?
4.5-6.0 mm
Where is Epicaerus lepidotus found?
Range: Edwards Plateau to s. TX - Map (Pierce 1910)
What does Epicaerus lepidotus eat?
The diet of the Epicaerus lepidotus includes one spmn coll'ed beating TX red oak - Quercus buckleyi (BG Data).
When is Epicaerus lepidotus active?
Epicaerus lepidotus: seasonal activity - mostly Mar-May (BG data).