Neocompsa mexicana
This record describes Neocompsa mexicana (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Ibidionini
- Genus
- Neocompsa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo, Cameron & Jim Hogg Cos.) to Costa Rica - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Large numbers of adults were reared and taken from dead Tepeguaje, ( Leucaena pulverulenta , Fabaceae) branches in the palm grove. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: compsa (G). 'neat, elegant'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Neocompsa mexicana. 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 Neocompsa mexicana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Neocompsa mexicana
How do you identify Neocompsa mexicana?
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Neocompsa mexicana found?
Range: southmost TX (Hidalgo, Cameron & Jim Hogg Cos.) to Costa Rica - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Neocompsa mexicana eat?
The diet of the Neocompsa mexicana includes Large numbers of adults were reared and taken from dead Tepeguaje, ( Leucaena pulverulenta , Fabaceae) branches in the palm grove. ( 3 ).