Macrosiagon limbata
This record describes Macrosiagon limbata (species). Recorded family: Ripiphoridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Macrosiagon limbata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrosiagon_limbata.
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
Habitat
Adults on flowers of goatweed ( Capraria ), elderberry ( Sambucus ), thoroughwort ( Eupatorium ), beebalm ( Monarda ), goldenrod ( Solidago ) , mountain mint ( Pycnanthemum ),
Geographic Range
e. NA (NH-FL to ON-KS-AZ) to S. Amer. - Map , mostly ne quarter of the US
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They go through hypermetamorphosis. The female deposits eggs on flowers frequented by bees. The first instar is a planidum , an active larva capable of climbing on a bee or bumble bee (their hosts). They are transported to the bee nest where they behave as parasitoids. The following instars don't have legs and feed on the bee larvae and stored pollen and nectar. 1. Eggs. 2. Triungulin
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Macrosiagon limbata (Fabricius 1792)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Macrosiagon limbata. 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 limbata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Macrosiagon limbata
How big is Macrosiagon limbata?
5.0-12.0 mm
Where is Macrosiagon limbata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults on flowers of goatweed ( Capraria ), elderberry ( Sambucus ), thoroughwort ( Eupatorium ), beebalm ( Monarda ), goldenrod ( Solidago ) , mountain mint ( Pycnanthemum ) |
| Range | e. NA (NH-FL to ON-KS-AZ) to S. Amer. - Map , mostly ne quarter of the US |
When is Macrosiagon limbata active?
Macrosiagon limbata: seasonal activity - Jun-Aug (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Macrosiagon limbata?
They go through hypermetamorphosis. The female deposits eggs on flowers frequented by bees. The first instar is a planidum , an active larva capable of climbing on a bee or bumble bee (their hosts). They are transported to the bee nest where they behave as parasitoids. The following instars don't have legs and feed on the bee larvae and stored pollen and nectar. 1. Eggs. 2. Triungulin