Epicauta mimetica
This record describes Epicauta mimetica (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Labrum deeply incised - the giveaway character. Antennae slender, scape in male just reaching beyond eye, in female, almost so; pedicel half as long as scape in either sex; A3 2× as long as pedicel in female, ⅔ as long in male. • Syntype not listed in
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
AZ, w. & c.TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epicauta mimetica (Horn 1875)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta mimetica. 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 mimetica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta mimetica
What is Epicauta mimetica?
Epicauta mimetica is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicauta mimetica?
8‒13 mm
How do you identify Epicauta mimetica?
Labrum deeply incised - the giveaway character. Antennae slender, scape in male just reaching beyond eye, in female, almost so; pedicel half as long as scape in either sex; A3 2× as long as pedicel in female, ⅔ as long in male. • Syntype
Where is Epicauta mimetica found?
Range: AZ, w. & c.TX