Mecas cana
This record describes Mecas cana (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotum w two small glabrous spots Det. M. A. Quinn, 2011
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Phytoeciini
- Genus
- Mecas
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
M. c. cana - FL M. c. saturnina e.US / ne.Mex.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in stems of living composites, especially Ambrosia, Gaillardia, Helianthus
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mecas cana (Newman)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mecas cana. 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 Mecas cana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mecas cana
What is Mecas cana?
Mecas cana is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mecas cana?
9-16 mm
How do you identify Mecas cana?
pronotum w two small glabrous spots Det. M. A. Quinn, 2011
Where is Mecas cana found?
Range: M. c. cana - FL M. c. saturnina e.US / ne.Mex.
What does Mecas cana eat?
The diet of the Mecas cana includes Larvae in stems of living composites, especially Ambrosia, Gaillardia, Helianthus.