Oedemera lurida
This record describes Oedemera lurida (species). Recorded family: Oedemeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5 to 8 mm. A generally long and slender species, which is a greyish sage green in colour. It often leaves its elytra (wing cases) agape. Active in bright sunshine in open habitats with plenty of wild flowers such as Hawthorn and umbellifers, where they feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae develop in dead herbaceous stems. Found mostly in the southern half of England and in Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Oedemera lurida: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oedemera_lurida.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Oedemeridae
- Genus
- Oedemera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Active in bright sunshine in open habitats with plenty of wild flowers such as Hawthorn and umbellifers, where they feed on pollen and nectar.
Seasonal Activity
Early May to August sometimes later.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae develop in dead herbaceous stems.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found mostly in the southern half of England and in Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oedemera lurida. 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 Oedemera lurida (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oedemera lurida
What is Oedemera lurida?
Oedemera lurida is a species in the family Oedemeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oedemera lurida?
5 to 8 mm. A generally long and slender species, which is a greyish sage green in colour. It often leaves its elytra (wing cases) agape.
Where is Oedemera lurida found?
Habitat: Active in bright sunshine in open habitats with plenty of wild flowers such as Hawthorn and umbellifers, where they feed on pollen and nectar.
When is Oedemera lurida active?
Oedemera lurida: seasonal activity - Early May to August sometimes later..
What is the life cycle of a Oedemera lurida?
Larvae develop in dead herbaceous stems.