Epicauta sublineata
This record describes Epicauta sublineata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is one of the most variable species of the genus as to color pattern. Head and pronotum always largely grey; elytra either black with grey margin, cloudy grey on disc, or with vague striping when largely grey. Type Locality: Eagle Pass, Maverick Co., Texas
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
sw. TX / e. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: one record of feeding on Berlandier's Wolfberry ( Lycium berlandieri , Solanaceae) ( 5 ) . the range of Lycium berlandieri closely matches the range of Epicauta sublineata .
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta sublineata. 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 sublineata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta sublineata
What is Epicauta sublineata?
Epicauta sublineata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicauta sublineata?
16-25 mm
How do you identify Epicauta sublineata?
This is one of the most variable species of the genus as to color pattern. Head and pronotum always largely grey; elytra either black with grey margin, cloudy grey on disc, or with vague striping when largely grey.
Where is Epicauta sublineata found?
Range: sw. TX / e. Mex. - Map
What does Epicauta sublineata eat?
The diet of the Epicauta sublineata includes one record of feeding on Berlandier's Wolfberry ( Lycium berlandieri , Solanaceae) ( 5 ) . the range of Lycium berlandieri closely matches the range of Epicauta sublineata ..
When is Epicauta sublineata active?
Epicauta sublineata: seasonal activity - Apr-Oct.