Methia aestiva
This record describes Methia aestiva (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Combination of the following characters: no longitudinal ridge on stridulatory plate; eyes nearly contiguous on vertex of head; elytra nearly as long as abdomen. The genus Methia consists of a number of species difficult to determine. Species exhibit considerable variation and the exact species limits are not well understood. The genus is in need of revision.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Methiini
- Genus
- Methia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Coastal and southern California (Linsley 1962)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Methia aestiva Fall 1907
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Methia aestiva. 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 Methia aestiva (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Androw
Frequently Asked Questions About Methia aestiva
What is Methia aestiva?
Methia aestiva is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Methia aestiva?
5-7 mm (Linsley 1962)
How do you identify Methia aestiva?
Combination of the following characters: no longitudinal ridge on stridulatory plate; eyes nearly contiguous on vertex of head; elytra nearly as long as abdomen.
Where is Methia aestiva found?
Range: Coastal and southern California (Linsley 1962)