Epicauta magnomaculata
This record describes Epicauta magnomaculata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinguished from other maculate species by the more slender form and a pair of small denuded callosities on the pronotum
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
"the only member of the maculata-group existing under extreme xeric conditions"
Geographic Range
Known only from CA at lower elevations on the eastern perimeter of Panamint Valley, in Death Valley, and along the Amargosa River to the immediate east [...] one of the most restricted of North American Meloidae
Seasonal Activity
Apr‒Nov (BG and iNaturalist data); appearance probably depends on rainfall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epicauta magnomaculata Martin, 1932
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta magnomaculata. 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 magnomaculata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta magnomaculata
What is Epicauta magnomaculata?
Epicauta magnomaculata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicauta magnomaculata?
14‒20 mm
How do you identify Epicauta magnomaculata?
distinguished from other maculate species by the more slender form and a pair of small denuded callosities on the pronotum
Where is Epicauta magnomaculata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | the only member of the maculata-group existing under extreme xeric conditions |
| Range | Known only from CA at lower elevations on the eastern perimeter of Panamint Valley, in Death Valley, and along the Amargosa River to the immediate east [...] one of the most restricted of North American Meloidae |
When is Epicauta magnomaculata active?
Epicauta magnomaculata: seasonal activity - Apr‒Nov (BG and iNaturalist data); appearance probably depends on rainfall.