Epicauta temexa
This record describes Epicauta temexa (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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. TX to the Brazos R. to e. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Nov
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Pigweed ( Amaranthus ) is utilized as a food source by adults much more frequently than either nightshade ( Solanum ) or alfalfa ( Medicago )
Life History
Reared females lived 40-158 days. Females laid ~23 eggs per day. Females can reproduce parthenogenetically. Adults are active nocturnally: "In southern Texas [...] we had difficulty collecting adults of E. temexa and E. occidentalis in the day, even at localities where they swarmed at lights in large numbers at night. Some of the most effective collecting was done by locating patches of Amaranthus or Solanum under street or farm lights during the day and returning at night, at which time the beetles crawl to the top of the vegetation to feed and carry on other activities. It was possible, of course, to find adults in these patches during the day, but only with difficulty, since they remained near the ground and were relatively inactive."
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epicauta temexa Adams & Selander 1979
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta temexa. 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 temexa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta temexa
How big is Epicauta temexa?
10-15 mm
Where is Epicauta temexa found?
Range: w. TX to the Brazos R. to e. Mex. - Map
What does Epicauta temexa eat?
The diet of the Epicauta temexa includes Pigweed ( Amaranthus ) is utilized as a food source by adults much more frequently than either nightshade ( Solanum ) or alfalfa ( Medicago ).
When is Epicauta temexa active?
Epicauta temexa: seasonal activity - Mar-Nov.
What is the life cycle of a Epicauta temexa?
Reared females lived 40-158 days. Females laid ~23 eggs per day. Females can reproduce parthenogenetically. Adults are active nocturnally: In southern Texas [...] we had difficulty collecting adults of E. temexa and E. occidentalis in the day, even at localities where they swarmed at lights in large numbers at night. Some of the most effective collecting was done by locating patches of Amaranthus or Solanum under street or farm lights during the day and returning at night, at which time the beetles crawl to the top of the vegetation to feed and carry on other activities. It was possible, of course, to find adults in these patches during the day, but only with difficulty, since they remained near the ground and were relatively inactive.