Twig Girdler
Oncideres cingulata
This record describes Oncideres cingulata (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Twig Girdler (Oncideres cingulata) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as longhorn beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Onciderini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Chrysomeloidea. This species belongs to the genus Oncideres (Twig Girdling Beetles). Size: 9‒20 mm. Found in deciduous forests.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Onciderini
- Genus
- Oncideres (Twig Girdling Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
deciduous forests
Geographic Range
e.US (s.ON‒CT‒FL to KS‒TX) & e. Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: deciduous trees, almost 20 plant families recorded
Life History
female deposits eggs in tips of twigs, girdles the twig below the eggs, the twig falls to the ground, and the larvae mature there
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oncideres cingulata (Say 1826)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oncideres cingulata. 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 Twig Girdler (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov , merice , Kyhl Austin
Frequently Asked Questions About Twig Girdler
What is Twig Girdler?
Twig Girdler (Oncideres cingulata) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Twig Girdler?
9‒20 mm
Where is Twig Girdler found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | deciduous forests |
| Range | e.US (s.ON‒CT‒FL to KS‒TX) & e. Mex. - Map |
What does Twig Girdler eat?
The diet of the Twig Girdler includes hosts: deciduous trees, almost 20 plant families recorded.
What is the life cycle of a Twig Girdler?
female deposits eggs in tips of twigs, girdles the twig below the eggs, the twig falls to the ground, and the larvae mature there