Ischnomera cyanea
This record describes Ischnomera cyanea (species). Recorded family: Oedemeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This beetle is about 12 mm long with bright iridescent blue/green elytra (wing cases), which sometimes gape to expose the body or wings. The top sections of its back legs are quite swollen. Adults are found on many flowers including those of Hogweed and Hawthorn, often near hedgerows or wooded areas. Usually seen in spring and summer with late May seeming to be the peak time. Although the adults are found on flowers, the larvae develop in relatively soft white-rotting heartwood of a great variety of broadleaves. This species is fairly common over much of England but with fewer records from Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Oedemeridae
- Genus
- Ischnomera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults are found on many flowers including those of Hogweed and Hawthorn, often near hedgerows or wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
Usually seen in spring and summer with late May seeming to be the peak time.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Although the adults are found on flowers, the larvae develop in relatively soft white-rotting heartwood of a great variety of broadleaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is fairly common over much of England but with fewer records from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ischnomera cyanea. 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 Ischnomera cyanea (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ischnomera cyanea
What is Ischnomera cyanea?
Ischnomera cyanea is a species in the family Oedemeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Ischnomera cyanea found?
Habitat: Adults are found on many flowers including those of Hogweed and Hawthorn, often near hedgerows or wooded areas.
When is Ischnomera cyanea active?
Ischnomera cyanea: seasonal activity - Usually seen in spring and summer with late May seeming to be the peak time..
What is the life cycle of a Ischnomera cyanea?
Although the adults are found on flowers, the larvae develop in relatively soft white-rotting heartwood of a great variety of broadleaves.