Mecas marginella
This record describes Mecas marginella (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The absence of pronotal calluses [glabrous spots] and the distinctive yellowish pubescent pronotum and elytral longitudinal bands make this species easily recognizable. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2014
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
se US to NM-CO - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , mostly Colo. to s.TX
Seasonal Activity
March to June
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae bore into many spp. of herbaceous plants, adults asso. w/ many wildflowers
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mecas marginella. 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 marginella (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mecas marginella
What is Mecas marginella?
Mecas marginella is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mecas marginella?
6.5-8 mm
How do you identify Mecas marginella?
The absence of pronotal calluses [glabrous spots] and the distinctive yellowish pubescent pronotum and elytral longitudinal bands make this species easily recognizable. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2014
Where is Mecas marginella found?
Range: se US to NM-CO - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , mostly Colo. to s.TX
What does Mecas marginella eat?
The diet of the Mecas marginella includes larvae bore into many spp. of herbaceous plants, adults asso. w/ many wildflowers.
When is Mecas marginella active?
Mecas marginella: seasonal activity - March to June.