Mecas pergrata
This record describes Mecas pergrata (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The five glabrous pronotal spots, the densely pubescent pale suture and lateral elytral margins, and the reddish femora will readily distinguish this species. In certain parts of the range, the elytra tend to be reddish down the disk and frequently the pronotum is also partially reddish. - both from Colorado Type Locality: Platte River, Nebraska
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
Adults on various flowers
Geographic Range
e. US to Rockies Front Range / ne. Mex - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) , most records n-c TX, Rockies Front Range
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-July ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae are stem & root borers of Helianthus, Aster and other Asteraceae
Life History
per Craighead (1923) larvae feed in the stems of Aster and down into the roots, completely hollowing the latter. Subsequently that portion of the stem of the plant breaks off at the surface of the ground. Small heaps of frass are exuded about the base of the plant. Only one larva is found in each stem. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: pergrata (L). 'very pleasing'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mecas pergrata. 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 pergrata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mecas pergrata
What is Mecas pergrata?
Mecas pergrata is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mecas pergrata?
6-12 mm
How do you identify Mecas pergrata?
The five glabrous pronotal spots, the densely pubescent pale suture and lateral elytral margins, and the reddish femora will readily distinguish this species. In certain parts of the range, the elytra tend to be reddish down the disk and frequently the pronotum is also partially reddish. - both from Colorado
Where is Mecas pergrata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults on various flowers |
| Range | e. US to Rockies Front Range / ne. Mex - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) , most records n-c TX, Rockies Front Range |
What does Mecas pergrata eat?
The diet of the Mecas pergrata includes larvae are stem & root borers of Helianthus, Aster and other Asteraceae.
When is Mecas pergrata active?
Mecas pergrata: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-July ( 5 ).
What is the life cycle of a Mecas pergrata?
per Craighead (1923) larvae feed in the stems of Aster and down into the roots, completely hollowing the latter. Subsequently that portion of the stem of the plant breaks off at the surface of the ground. Small heaps of frass are exuded about the base of the plant. Only one larva is found in each stem. ( 3 )