Epicauta virgulata
This record describes Epicauta virgulata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
sometimes fairly common at light Type locality: San Jose del Cabo, Lower California
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 AZ / nw. Mex. - Map , records from w. TX in error?
Diet and Behavior
Diet: taken once at Cavecreek, AZ on palo verde ( Parkinsonia , Fabaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epicauta virgulata LeConte, 1866
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta virgulata. 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 virgulata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Epicauta virgulata
What is Epicauta virgulata?
Epicauta virgulata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Epicauta virgulata found?
Range: s. CA to AZ / nw. Mex. - Map , records from w. TX in error?
What does Epicauta virgulata eat?
The diet of the Epicauta virgulata includes taken once at Cavecreek, AZ on palo verde ( Parkinsonia , Fabaceae).