Megachoriolaus texanus
This record describes Megachoriolaus texanus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Key to spp. Giesbert & Hovore 1998 Described from one female specimen collected in the Davis Mountains, Texas, July 3, 1940, by D.J. and J.N. Knull. (Knull 1941)
Identification notes
Key to spp. Giesbert & Hovore 1998
Wikipedia reference for Megachoriolaus texanus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megachoriolaus_texanus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lepturinae
- Tribe
- Lepturini
- Genus
- Megachoriolaus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis County, Texas - Map (Linsley & Chemsak 1976)
Seasonal Activity
May to July (Linsley & Chemsak 1976)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host unknown (Linsley & Chemsak 1976)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Megachoriolaus texanus. 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 Megachoriolaus texanus (3)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Megachoriolaus texanus
What is Megachoriolaus texanus?
Megachoriolaus texanus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Megachoriolaus texanus?
Type: length 11.5 mm.; width 3 mm. (Knull 1941)
How do you identify Megachoriolaus texanus?
Key to spp. Giesbert & Hovore 1998
Where is Megachoriolaus texanus found?
Range: Endemic to the Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis County, Texas - Map (Linsley & Chemsak 1976)
What does Megachoriolaus texanus eat?
The diet of the Megachoriolaus texanus includes Host unknown (Linsley & Chemsak 1976).
When is Megachoriolaus texanus active?
Megachoriolaus texanus: seasonal activity - May to July (Linsley & Chemsak 1976).