Epicauta polingi
This record describes Epicauta polingi (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
a pair of black spots on the elytral bases, plus the elytra are generally of a different shade of gray from that of the head and pronutum, males have thickened ant. basal segments male, female Type Locality: Davis Mtns, 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
Geographic Range
AZ to c. & s. TX / s. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
late Mar. to Oct. (BG & GBIF data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epicauta polingi Werner, 1944 Named in honor of ornithologist and entomologist Otho C. Poling (1879-1929) of Quincy, Illinois. Poling collected throughout the mountains and deserts of the American southwest, including California, southern Arizona, New Mexico, west Texas and Utah in two distinct periods (1900-1906 and 1922-1929). Many of his specimens were described by William Barnes and he had fourteen species of moths named for him.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta polingi. 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 polingi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta polingi
What is Epicauta polingi?
Epicauta polingi is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicauta polingi?
13-15 mm
How do you identify Epicauta polingi?
a pair of black spots on the elytral bases, plus the elytra are generally of a different shade of gray from that of the head and pronutum, males have thickened ant. basal segments male, female
Where is Epicauta polingi found?
Range: AZ to c. & s. TX / s. Mex. - Map
When is Epicauta polingi active?
Epicauta polingi: seasonal activity - late Mar. to Oct. (BG & GBIF data).