Graphisurus despectus
This record describes Graphisurus despectus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytra ground color pale gray or brownish, covered by heavy dark speckling and crossed by irregular blackish band about two-thirds distance from base; elytral apices truncate but not emarginate (concave); scutellum glabrous (smooth; hairless); legs and antennae with conspicuous dark and pale banding; female has long pencil-like ovipositor females have a slightly broader pygidium than in fasciatus Type Locality: Lake Superior uncommon
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Acanthocinini
- Genus
- Graphisurus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
QC-FL to ON-IA-ne.TX - Map , rare along Gulf and s. Atlantic coastal plains
Seasonal Activity
May-Jul
Diet and Behavior
Diet: various hardwoods, esp. hickory ( Carya , Juglandaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Graphisurus despectus (LeConte 1850)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Graphisurus despectus. 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 Graphisurus despectus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Graphisurus despectus
What is Graphisurus despectus?
Graphisurus despectus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Graphisurus despectus?
9-14 mm
How do you identify Graphisurus despectus?
elytra ground color pale gray or brownish, covered by heavy dark speckling and crossed by irregular blackish band about two-thirds distance from base; elytral apices truncate but not emarginate (concave); scutellum glabrous (smooth; hairless); legs and antennae with conspicuous dark and pale banding; female has long pencil-like ovipositor females have a slightly broader pygidium than in fasciatus
Where is Graphisurus despectus found?
Range: QC-FL to ON-IA-ne.TX - Map , rare along Gulf and s. Atlantic coastal plains
What does Graphisurus despectus eat?
The diet of the Graphisurus despectus includes various hardwoods, esp. hickory ( Carya , Juglandaceae).
When is Graphisurus despectus active?
Graphisurus despectus: seasonal activity - May-Jul.