Epicauta tricostata
This record describes Epicauta tricostata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Suture, side margins and three, instead of four, ridges on each elytron strongly elevated. Male with antennal segments 2-5 shiny and somewhat elongate, but not as extremely as in costata Det. Blaine Mathison, 2010
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 w. TX / Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Frequent on the blossoms of Solanum elaeagnifolium ; confined, they eat only the blossoms. An occasional specimen taken on Datura .
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta tricostata. 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 tricostata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta tricostata
What is Epicauta tricostata?
Epicauta tricostata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epicauta tricostata?
6-12 mm
How do you identify Epicauta tricostata?
Suture, side margins and three, instead of four, ridges on each elytron strongly elevated. Male with antennal segments 2-5 shiny and somewhat elongate, but not as extremely as in costata Det. Blaine Mathison, 2010
Where is Epicauta tricostata found?
Range: AZ to w. TX / Mex. - Map
When is Epicauta tricostata active?
Epicauta tricostata: seasonal activity - Jul-Aug.
What is the life cycle of a Epicauta tricostata?
Frequent on the blossoms of Solanum elaeagnifolium ; confined, they eat only the blossoms. An occasional specimen taken on Datura .