Epicauta albida
This record describes Epicauta albida (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
ant. pale basally, esp. in the male, and by the dark maculae on the abdomen medially like many meloids, this sp. has periodic outbreaks
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Tribe
- Epicautini
- Genus
- Epicauta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c. Plains to edge of the Rockies (se.WY-e.NM-TX-KS) / e. Mex. to CDMX - Map , primarily southern Great Plains
Seasonal Activity
July-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: mostly found on var. nightshade plants - Solanaceae also known to feed on yellow flymallow ( Cienfuegosia drummondii , Malvaceae) , but this rare plant has a limited mostly coastal distribution.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: albida (L). 'white'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta albida. 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 Epicauta albida (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta albida
What is Epicauta albida?
Epicauta albida is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicauta albida?
13-28 mm
How do you identify Epicauta albida?
ant. pale basally, esp. in the male, and by the dark maculae on the abdomen medially
Where is Epicauta albida found?
Range: c. Plains to edge of the Rockies (se.WY-e.NM-TX-KS) / e. Mex. to CDMX - Map , primarily southern Great Plains
What does Epicauta albida eat?
The diet of the Epicauta albida includes mostly found on var. nightshade plants - Solanaceae also known to feed on yellow flymallow ( Cienfuegosia drummondii , Malvaceae) , but this rare plant has a limited mostly coastal distribution..
When is Epicauta albida active?
Epicauta albida: seasonal activity - July-Oct.