Judolia instabilis
This record describes Judolia instabilis (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Rather variable, with elytral patterns ranging from all-black to pale yellow with black spots (see Internet References below for photos of type specimen).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lepturinae
- Tribe
- Lepturini
- Genus
- Judolia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. N. Amer. / NW Mex.
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Jun-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on pines.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Judolia instabilis. 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 Judolia instabilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Hartmut Wisch , Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , Thrasher
Frequently Asked Questions About Judolia instabilis
What is Judolia instabilis?
Judolia instabilis is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Judolia instabilis?
6 - 15 mm
How do you identify Judolia instabilis?
Rather variable, with elytral patterns ranging from all-black to pale yellow with black spots (see Internet References below for photos of type specimen).
Where is Judolia instabilis found?
Range: w. N. Amer. / NW Mex.
When is Judolia instabilis active?
Judolia instabilis: seasonal activity - mostly: Jun-Aug (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Judolia instabilis?
Larvae feed on pines.