Epicauta oregona
This record describes Epicauta oregona (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Maculate; vestiture rather thin, thus usually dark grey in colour; dotting small, or even indistinct. Male antennae wider, and flattened in the basal half (ensiform). belongs to the E. bispinosa -group
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
w.NA (BC‒SK to AZ‒CO)
Seasonal Activity
May‒Aug [iNaturalist observations]
Diet and Behavior
Diet: perhaps has a preference for Fabaceae (Alfalfa, vetches) [iNaturalist observations]
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epicauta oregona Horn 1875
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta oregona. 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 oregona (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta oregona
What is Epicauta oregona?
Epicauta oregona is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicauta oregona?
7‒11 mm
How do you identify Epicauta oregona?
Maculate; vestiture rather thin, thus usually dark grey in colour; dotting small, or even indistinct. Male antennae wider, and flattened in the basal half (ensiform).
Where is Epicauta oregona found?
Range: w.NA (BC‒SK to AZ‒CO)
What does Epicauta oregona eat?
The diet of the Epicauta oregona includes perhaps has a preference for Fabaceae (Alfalfa, vetches) [iNaturalist observations].
When is Epicauta oregona active?
Epicauta oregona: seasonal activity - May‒Aug [iNaturalist observations].