Moneilema blapsides
This record describes Moneilema blapsides (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
can be all black: Cerambycidae Catalog Type Locality: Texas
Identification notes
can be all black: Cerambycidae Catalog
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
c. TX to s. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
April to Dec.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval Host: Opuntia
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: blapsides (G). 'hurt, damaged'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Moneilema blapsides. 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 blapsides (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Moneilema blapsides
What is Moneilema blapsides?
Moneilema blapsides is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Moneilema blapsides?
can be all black: Cerambycidae Catalog
Where is Moneilema blapsides found?
Range: c. TX to s. Mex. - Map
What does Moneilema blapsides eat?
The diet of the Moneilema blapsides includes Larval Host: Opuntia.
When is Moneilema blapsides active?
Moneilema blapsides: seasonal activity - April to Dec..