Mecas menthae
This record describes Mecas menthae (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinctive in the rather uniform grayish pubescence and the narrow bands of dense apperssed pubescence along the lateral and sutural margins
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
s. AZ / Mex.
Seasonal Activity
June-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: giant hyssop ( Agastache , Lamiaceae). this is the first record of a non-composite (Asteraceae) host for this genus. one adult also found on Monarda (Lamiaceae) (BG data)
Life History
adults may be found in the curves of smaller top leares of the host plant. larvae fore in the roots of the living plants.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mecas menthae Chemsak & Linsley 1973
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mecas menthae. 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 menthae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mecas menthae
What is Mecas menthae?
Mecas menthae is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Mecas menthae?
distinctive in the rather uniform grayish pubescence and the narrow bands of dense apperssed pubescence along the lateral and sutural margins
Where is Mecas menthae found?
Range: s. AZ / Mex.
What does Mecas menthae eat?
The diet of the Mecas menthae includes giant hyssop ( Agastache , Lamiaceae). this is the first record of a non-composite (Asteraceae) host for this genus. one adult also found on Monarda (Lamiaceae) (BG data).
When is Mecas menthae active?
Mecas menthae: seasonal activity - June-Oct.
What is the life cycle of a Mecas menthae?
adults may be found in the curves of smaller top leares of the host plant. larvae fore in the roots of the living plants.