Epicauta costata
This record describes Epicauta costata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
head and pronotum with narrow glabrous midline; elytra with the suture, side margins and four ridges on each sharply elevated; male with antennal segments 3-5, and to a lesser extent 2, elongate, slender, and shiny above. Det. Salvador Vitanza, 2024 Type Locality: Frontera, El Paso Co., TX
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
Habitat
intermediate and lower elevations
Geographic Range
se. CA to w. TX / n. Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
mostly Jul-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Great numbers seen feeding on jimsonweed ( Datura ), with lesser numbers on silverleaf nightshade ( Solanum elaeagnifolium ), both Solanaceae.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: costata (L). 'ribbed'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta costata. 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 costata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta costata
What is Epicauta costata?
Epicauta costata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicauta costata?
7-16 mm
How do you identify Epicauta costata?
head and pronotum with narrow glabrous midline; elytra with the suture, side margins and four ridges on each sharply elevated; male with antennal segments 3-5, and to a lesser extent 2, elongate, slender, and shiny above. Det. Salvador Vitanza, 2024
Where is Epicauta costata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | intermediate and lower elevations |
| Range | se. CA to w. TX / n. Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) |
What does Epicauta costata eat?
The diet of the Epicauta costata includes Great numbers seen feeding on jimsonweed ( Datura ), with lesser numbers on silverleaf nightshade ( Solanum elaeagnifolium ), both Solanaceae..
When is Epicauta costata active?
Epicauta costata: seasonal activity - mostly Jul-Aug.