Epicauta arizonica
This record describes Epicauta arizonica (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Legs brown, not contrasting with rest of body; male antennomeres 1 & 2 elongate, but together shorter than 3 thru 11; female antennomeres 1-2 with some cinereous pubescence may be common at light
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
se.CA to far w.TX (El Paso Co.) / nw.Mex. - Map (Werner 1944) , most US records from AZ
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epicauta arizonica Werner 1944
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta arizonica. 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 arizonica (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta arizonica
What is Epicauta arizonica?
Epicauta arizonica is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Epicauta arizonica?
Legs brown, not contrasting with rest of body; male antennomeres 1 & 2 elongate, but together shorter than 3 thru 11; female antennomeres 1-2 with some cinereous pubescence
Where is Epicauta arizonica found?
Range: se.CA to far w.TX (El Paso Co.) / nw.Mex. - Map (Werner 1944) , most US records from AZ