Hippopsis lemniscata
This record describes Hippopsis lemniscata (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
striped pronotum and long, thin antennae readily attracted to UV lights ( 5 )
Identification notes
striped pronotum and long, thin antennae
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Agapanthiini
- Genus
- Hippopsis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US to w. TX (TX-FL-NJ-IA) / Mex. to S. Amer. - Map ( 5 ) ( 6 )
Seasonal Activity
Mostly: Jun-Jul, outside of TX, FL (BG data) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Ragweed ( Ambrosia ), also: Coreopsis, Desmodium, Helianthus, Vernonia among others.
Life History
larvae bore into stems of herbacious plants, principally Asteraceae ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: lemniscus (L). 'a ribbon'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippopsis lemniscata. 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 Hippopsis lemniscata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , metrioptera , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Hippopsis lemniscata
What is Hippopsis lemniscata?
Hippopsis lemniscata is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hippopsis lemniscata?
7-15 mm ( 4 )
How do you identify Hippopsis lemniscata?
striped pronotum and long, thin antennae
Where is Hippopsis lemniscata found?
Range: e. US to w. TX (TX-FL-NJ-IA) / Mex. to S. Amer. - Map ( 5 ) ( 6 )
What does Hippopsis lemniscata eat?
The diet of the Hippopsis lemniscata includes Ragweed ( Ambrosia ), also: Coreopsis, Desmodium, Helianthus, Vernonia among others..
When is Hippopsis lemniscata active?
Hippopsis lemniscata: seasonal activity - Mostly: Jun-Jul, outside of TX, FL (BG data) ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Hippopsis lemniscata?
larvae bore into stems of herbacious plants, principally Asteraceae ( 5 )