Macrosiagon cruenta
This record describes Macrosiagon cruenta (species). Recorded family: Ripiphoridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
5 main color varieties: *nominate - https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/153520 *dark form *California form with little to no black - rufum - https://mczbase.mcz.harvard.edu/guid/MCZ:Ent:5145 *CA-TX form with rufous head and thorax - horni - https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/909252 *CA-UT form pale yellow brown with the exception of the dark brown elytral apices and partially brownish legs. - flumineum
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Ripiphoridae (Wedge-shaped Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ripiphorinae
- Genus
- Macrosiagon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NJ-FL to WA-CA; Mexico
Seasonal Activity
May-Sep at lower elevations in NC ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Parasitize wasps (Tiphiidae, Scoliidae, Vespidae, Specidae) ( 5 ) , attacks eumenids in twig and mud nests ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Macrosiagon cruenta (Germar 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Macrosiagon cruenta. 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 Macrosiagon cruenta (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , egordon88
Frequently Asked Questions About Macrosiagon cruenta
What is Macrosiagon cruenta?
Macrosiagon cruenta is a species in the family Ripiphoridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Macrosiagon cruenta?
5.0-8.0 mm
Where is Macrosiagon cruenta found?
Range: NJ-FL to WA-CA; Mexico
When is Macrosiagon cruenta active?
Macrosiagon cruenta: seasonal activity - May-Sep at lower elevations in NC ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Macrosiagon cruenta?
Parasitize wasps (Tiphiidae, Scoliidae, Vespidae, Specidae) ( 5 ) , attacks eumenids in twig and mud nests ( 6 )