Epicauta strigosa
This record describes Epicauta strigosa (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
unicolorous spmns can be identified by large eyes, broad head, thick antennae, simple spurs, and dark legs
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
coastal e. US (MA-FL-TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adult hosts: mainly cotton, okra, Asteraceae, Opuntia (Cactaceae), Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae), and Vigna (Fabaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epicauta strigosa (Gyllenhal 1817)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta strigosa. 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 strigosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta strigosa
What is Epicauta strigosa?
Epicauta strigosa is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicauta strigosa?
7-10 mm
How do you identify Epicauta strigosa?
unicolorous spmns can be identified by large eyes, broad head, thick antennae, simple spurs, and dark legs
Where is Epicauta strigosa found?
Range: coastal e. US (MA-FL-TX)
What does Epicauta strigosa eat?
The diet of the Epicauta strigosa includes Adult hosts: mainly cotton, okra, Asteraceae, Opuntia (Cactaceae), Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae), and Vigna (Fabaceae) ( 3 ).