Lesser Thorn-tipped Longhorn Beetle
Pogonocherus hispidus
This record describes Pogonocherus hispidus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small (6 or 7 mm) longhorn beetle said to be camouflaged to resemble a bird dropping, but looking quite handsome for all that. It is distinguished by a thorn like tooth at the tip of each elytron. Scutellum all black (c.f. Pogonocherus hispidulus). Fairly frequent and widespread in much of England and Wales ,fewer records from further north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cerambycidae
- Genus
- Pogonocherus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deciduous trees and shrubs.
Seasonal Activity
From spring until autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in much of England and Wales ,fewer records from further north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pogonocherus hispidus. 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 Lesser Thorn-tipped Longhorn Beetle (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Thorn-tipped Longhorn Beetle
What is Lesser Thorn-tipped Longhorn Beetle?
Lesser Thorn-tipped Longhorn Beetle (Pogonocherus hispidus) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Lesser Thorn-tipped Longhorn Beetle found?
Habitat: Deciduous trees and shrubs.
When is Lesser Thorn-tipped Longhorn Beetle active?
Lesser Thorn-tipped Longhorn Beetle: seasonal activity - From spring until autumn..