Epicauta nigritarsis
This record describes Epicauta nigritarsis (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
in part: light-colored elytral suture; distinct patch of dark setae on humeri; legs mostly orangish except black tarsi. Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 Key to species in Pinto Type Locality: Mexican Boundary
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.AZ-TX-s.OK / ne. Mex. - Map , nearly all records from TX & ne. Mex.
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults collected feeding on mesquite ( Prosopis , Fabaceae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta nigritarsis. 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 nigritarsis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta nigritarsis
What is Epicauta nigritarsis?
Epicauta nigritarsis is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicauta nigritarsis?
7 to 14 mm
How do you identify Epicauta nigritarsis?
in part: light-colored elytral suture; distinct patch of dark setae on humeri; legs mostly orangish except black tarsi. Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 Key to species in Pinto
Where is Epicauta nigritarsis found?
Range: se.AZ-TX-s.OK / ne. Mex. - Map , nearly all records from TX & ne. Mex.
What does Epicauta nigritarsis eat?
The diet of the Epicauta nigritarsis includes Adults collected feeding on mesquite ( Prosopis , Fabaceae).
When is Epicauta nigritarsis active?
Epicauta nigritarsis: seasonal activity - Mar-Oct (BG data).