Basket Beetle
Gracilia minuta
This record describes Gracilia minuta (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Graciliini
- Genus
- Gracilia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
dead branches of numerous shrubs & hardwoods ; infests baskets and other articles made of unbarked willow/hazel twigs
Geographic Range
native to, and widespread across w. Palaearctic, adventive in e. NA, Japan , S. America, Australia
Seasonal Activity
May-Jul
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gracilia minuta (Fabricius 1781)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gracilia minuta. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basket Beetle
How big is Basket Beetle?
2.5-7 mm [4-6 mm per ]
Where is Basket Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | dead branches of numerous shrubs & hardwoods ; infests baskets and other articles made of unbarked willow/hazel twigs |
| Range | native to, and widespread across w. Palaearctic, adventive in e. NA, Japan , S. America, Australia |
When is Basket Beetle active?
Basket Beetle: seasonal activity - May-Jul.