Episcirrus brachialis
This record describes Episcirrus brachialis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Legs long and slender, thighs armed with one tooth; front thighs of male extending much beyond the head. Type Locality: Columbus, Austin Co., TX
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptorhynchinae
- Tribe
- Gasterocercini
- Genus
- Episcirrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, c. OK to Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults asso. w/ Gum Bumelia ( Sideroxylon lanuginosum (= Bumelia lanuginosa ); Sapotaceae); larvae mine dead branches
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: brachialis = 'big-armed' (refers to the elongated front legs)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Episcirrus brachialis. 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 Episcirrus brachialis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Episcirrus brachialis
What is Episcirrus brachialis?
Episcirrus brachialis is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Episcirrus brachialis?
4.5-8 mm
How do you identify Episcirrus brachialis?
Legs long and slender, thighs armed with one tooth; front thighs of male extending much beyond the head.
Where is Episcirrus brachialis found?
Range: AZ, c. OK to Mex. - Map
What does Episcirrus brachialis eat?
The diet of the Episcirrus brachialis includes Adults asso. w/ Gum Bumelia ( Sideroxylon lanuginosum (= Bumelia lanuginosa ); Sapotaceae); larvae mine dead branches.