Pasture Wireworm
Monocrepidius exsul
This record describes Monocrepidius exsul (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotal angles bicarinate, elytral apices bidentate first record in our area: 1932
Wikipedia reference for Monocrepidius exsul: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monocrepidius_exsul.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agrypninae
- Tribe
- Oophorini
- Genus
- Monocrepidius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to New Zealand, adventive in our area (OR‒CA‒FL‒MD) and in HI
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Omnivorous. Larvae may prefer soil-living insects, adults observed eating sweetcorn pollen ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Monocrepidius exsul Sharp 1877
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Monocrepidius exsul. 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 Pasture Wireworm (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Hartmut Wisch , Mike Quinn , v belov , dvoribird
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasture Wireworm
What is Pasture Wireworm?
Pasture Wireworm (Monocrepidius exsul) is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pasture Wireworm?
9.5‒13 mm
How do you identify Pasture Wireworm?
pronotal angles bicarinate, elytral apices bidentate
Where is Pasture Wireworm found?
Range: native to New Zealand, adventive in our area (OR‒CA‒FL‒MD) and in HI
What does Pasture Wireworm eat?
The diet of the Pasture Wireworm includes Omnivorous. Larvae may prefer soil-living insects, adults observed eating sweetcorn pollen ( 3 ).