Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle
Oberea erythrocephala
This record describes Oberea erythrocephala (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Introduced in 1980 to control Euphorbia esula (Leafy Spurge.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Phytoeciini
- Genus
- Oberea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe, introduced to NA to control Leafy Spurge ( Euphorbia esula ), an invasive weed; established in the west to NE
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on stems and root crowns of leafy spurge ( Euphorbia esula ).
Life History
Adults present in early to mid-summer, feed on leafy spurge leaves and flowers. Female chews a hole in the upper part of a leafy spurge stem and lays an egg. It spends winter as a larva. Larvae feed on roots at the crown.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oberea erythrocephala (Schrank 1776)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oberea erythrocephala. 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 Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle
What is Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle?
Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle (Oberea erythrocephala) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle?
Adult 10-12 mm. Larva may reach 20 mm.
Where is Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle found?
Range: native to Europe, introduced to NA to control Leafy Spurge ( Euphorbia esula ), an invasive weed; established in the west to NE
What does Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle eat?
The diet of the Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle includes Larvae feed on stems and root crowns of leafy spurge ( Euphorbia esula )..
What is the life cycle of a Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle?
Adults present in early to mid-summer, feed on leafy spurge leaves and flowers. Female chews a hole in the upper part of a leafy spurge stem and lays an egg. It spends winter as a larva. Larvae feed on roots at the crown.