Mecas cineracea
This record describes Mecas cineracea (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Uniformly pale pubescence, tarsal claw teeth of unequal length Almost identical to the slightly larger M. confusa (KS-TX; possibly further east) in which tarsal claw teeth are of equal length Many historical records of ‘ M. inornata ’ likely refer to this species
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
Habitat
common in roadside stands of Asteraceae in c. TX
Geographic Range
Great Plains (ND-IL to AZ-TX) / n. Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed in the stems of living Asteraceae. Adults have been collected sweeping many plants ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mecas cineracea Casey 1913
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mecas cineracea. 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 cineracea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tom Bentley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mecas cineracea
What is Mecas cineracea?
Mecas cineracea is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mecas cineracea?
6-11 mm
How do you identify Mecas cineracea?
Uniformly pale pubescence, tarsal claw teeth of unequal length Almost identical to the slightly larger M. confusa (KS-TX; possibly further east) in which tarsal claw teeth are of equal length
Where is Mecas cineracea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common in roadside stands of Asteraceae in c. TX |
| Range | Great Plains (ND-IL to AZ-TX) / n. Mex. - Map |
What does Mecas cineracea eat?
The diet of the Mecas cineracea includes Larvae feed in the stems of living Asteraceae. Adults have been collected sweeping many plants ( 5 ).