Methia necydalea
This record describes Methia necydalea (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
se US (NC‒FL to AR‒TX) to Belize / W. Indies - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , particularly common in FL
Seasonal Activity
June-Sept outside of FL (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on cypress ( Taxodium spp., Cupressaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Methia necydalea (Fabricius 1798)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Methia necydalea. 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 necydalea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Methia necydalea
How big is Methia necydalea?
4‒9 mm
Where is Methia necydalea found?
Range: se US (NC‒FL to AR‒TX) to Belize / W. Indies - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , particularly common in FL
What does Methia necydalea eat?
The diet of the Methia necydalea includes on cypress ( Taxodium spp., Cupressaceae).
When is Methia necydalea active?
Methia necydalea: seasonal activity - June-Sept outside of FL (BG data).