Epicauta tenella
This record describes Epicauta tenella (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
one of the few spp. in which the elytra are darker than the head and pronotum. head, pronotum and legs rufous, elytra with moderately sparse cinereous pubescence head, pronotum and appendages rufous, elytra pubescence sparse, cinereous, giving a greyish cast to color. Det. J.D. Pinto, 2011 one of the most abundant species of Meloidae at light in southern Arizona, but we have no food plant records.
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
s.CA to w. TX, s.NV-sw.UT / n. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
plant association ( 4 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta tenella. 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 tenella (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta tenella
What is Epicauta tenella?
Epicauta tenella is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicauta tenella?
8-12 mm
How do you identify Epicauta tenella?
one of the few spp. in which the elytra are darker than the head and pronotum. head, pronotum and legs rufous, elytra with moderately sparse cinereous pubescence head, pronotum and appendages rufous, elytra pubescence sparse, cinereous, giving a greyish cast to color. Det. J.D. Pinto, 2011
Where is Epicauta tenella found?
Range: s.CA to w. TX, s.NV-sw.UT / n. Mex. - Map
When is Epicauta tenella active?
Epicauta tenella: seasonal activity - Jun-Aug (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Epicauta tenella?
plant association ( 4 )