Mecas linsleyi
This record describes Mecas linsleyi (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Bentsen-RGV State Park , Mission, Hidalgo Co., TX Type male and allotype female and paratypes collected on the foliage of Mexican devil-weed ( Aster spinosus Benth.) in Bentsen Rio Grande State Park, Hidalgo County, Texas, March 26, 1954. Other paratypes collected under similar conditions March 24 and 28, 1954. (Knull 1974)
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
Houston, TX to n. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Mar-June , plus Oct. (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults always in asso. w/ spiny chloracantha ( Chloracantha (=Aster) spinosa , Asteraceae) its probable larval host plant
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mecas linsleyi Knull 1974
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mecas linsleyi. 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 linsleyi (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mecas linsleyi
What is Mecas linsleyi?
Mecas linsleyi is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mecas linsleyi?
11-12 mm (Knull 1974)
Where is Mecas linsleyi found?
Range: Houston, TX to n. Mex. - Map
What does Mecas linsleyi eat?
The diet of the Mecas linsleyi includes Adults always in asso. w/ spiny chloracantha ( Chloracantha (=Aster) spinosa , Asteraceae) its probable larval host plant.
When is Mecas linsleyi active?
Mecas linsleyi: seasonal activity - Mar-June , plus Oct. (BG data).