Moneilema armatum
This record describes Moneilema armatum (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotal spines smaller than antennomere 9, but note variation shown here
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Moneilemini
- Genus
- Moneilema (Cactus Longhorned Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. US (AZ-TX-KS-CO) / e. Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Bores into the stems and roots of living prickly pear cactus, Opuntia (Raske 1971)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Moneilema armatum LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Moneilema armatum. 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 Moneilema armatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Moneilema armatum
What is Moneilema armatum?
Moneilema armatum is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Moneilema armatum?
pronotal spines smaller than antennomere 9, but note variation shown here
Where is Moneilema armatum found?
Range: sw. US (AZ-TX-KS-CO) / e. Mex. - Map
What does Moneilema armatum eat?
The diet of the Moneilema armatum includes Bores into the stems and roots of living prickly pear cactus, Opuntia (Raske 1971).