Lagria hirta
This record describes Lagria hirta (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This beetle has conspicuous yellow-brown wing cases with a darker head. It also has a rather odd oval sort of shape. The whole animal is conspicuously bristly. Found mostly in areas with light or sandy soils. The adults feed on nectar and pollen on open-structured flowers such as Daisies or members of the Carrot family. The larvae eat decaying plant material in leaf litter and turf. This is a fairly common species in sandy places in southern Britain, becoming more localised in the north, where most records seem to be from coastal areas, perhaps reflecting its preference for sandy soils.
Wikipedia reference for Lagria hirta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagria_hirta.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Tenebrionidae
- Genus
- Lagria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found mostly in areas with light or sandy soils.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adults feed on nectar and pollen on open-structured flowers such as Daisies or members of the Carrot family. The larvae eat decaying plant material in leaf litter and turf.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a fairly common species in sandy places in southern Britain, becoming more localised in the north, where most records seem to be from coastal areas, perhaps reflecting its preference for sandy soils.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lagria hirta. 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 Lagria hirta (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lagria hirta
What is Lagria hirta?
Lagria hirta is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Lagria hirta found?
Habitat: Found mostly in areas with light or sandy soils.
When is Lagria hirta active?
Lagria hirta: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Lagria hirta?
The adults feed on nectar and pollen on open-structured flowers such as Daisies or members of the Carrot family. The larvae eat decaying plant material in leaf litter and turf.