Golden Aster Borer
Mecas confusa
This record describes Mecas confusa (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Note: tarsal claws with inner tooth almost as long as outer Det. L. E. Bezark, 1992 Type Locality: Luling, Gonzales Co., Texas
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
TX-KS (and possibly further east) - Map
Seasonal Activity
April-June
Diet and Behavior
Life History
larval host: Golden Aster - Heterotheca sp., probably subaxillaris (Asteraceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mecas confusa Chemsak & Linsley 1973
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mecas confusa. 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 Golden Aster Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Aster Borer
What is Golden Aster Borer?
Golden Aster Borer (Mecas confusa) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Golden Aster Borer?
Note: tarsal claws with inner tooth almost as long as outer Det. L. E. Bezark, 1992
Where is Golden Aster Borer found?
Range: TX-KS (and possibly further east) - Map
When is Golden Aster Borer active?
Golden Aster Borer: seasonal activity - April-June.
What is the life cycle of a Golden Aster Borer?
larval host: Golden Aster - Heterotheca sp., probably subaxillaris (Asteraceae)