Alder Gall Buprestid
Eupristocerus cogitans
This record describes Eupristocerus cogitans (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agrilinae
- Tribe
- Tracheini
- Genus
- Eupristocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wetlands
Geographic Range
MS-FL-NS-ON ( 3 ) , + TX (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2011), OK ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in living Alders - Alnus and Birch - Betula (Betulaceae) ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eupristocerus cogitans. 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 Alder Gall Buprestid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Alder Gall Buprestid
How big is Alder Gall Buprestid?
8-9 mm
Where is Alder Gall Buprestid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Wetlands |
| Range | MS-FL-NS-ON ( 3 ) , + TX (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2011), OK ( 4 ) |
What does Alder Gall Buprestid eat?
The diet of the Alder Gall Buprestid includes Larvae in living Alders - Alnus and Birch - Betula (Betulaceae) ( 3 ).
When is Alder Gall Buprestid active?
Alder Gall Buprestid: seasonal activity - May-Aug (BG data).