Huisache Girdler
Oncideres pustulata
This record describes Oncideres pustulata (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Huisache Girdler (Oncideres pustulata) 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). As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. It is found in Gulf coastal plains in Texas. Active during Adults: Aug-Jan (BG data).
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2012
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
Gulf coastal plains in Texas ( 3 )
Geographic Range
Houston to Veracruz, Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Adults: Aug-Jan (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Primary hosts: Huisache ( [ Vachellia (=Acacia) farnesiana ) and Tepeguaje ( Leucaena leucocephala ) (Rodríguez-del-Bosque and Garza-Cedillo); will also girdle mesquite, retama, ebony and citrus.
Life History
Females, with their elongate mandibles: girdle tree branches that can be surprisingly thick: The girdled branch usually breaks from its own weight: The female makes bites into the branch distal to the girdle and lays eggs into those bite sites: The developing larvae make galleries in the dead wood:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oncideres pustulata LeConte 1854 (but orig. spell : pustulatus )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oncideres pustulata. 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 Huisache Girdler (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , merice
Frequently Asked Questions About Huisache Girdler
What is Huisache Girdler?
Huisache Girdler (Oncideres pustulata) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Huisache Girdler?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2012
Where is Huisache Girdler found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Gulf coastal plains in Texas ( 3 ) |
| Range | Houston to Veracruz, Mex. - Map |
What does Huisache Girdler eat?
The diet of the Huisache Girdler includes Primary hosts: Huisache ( [ Vachellia (=Acacia) farnesiana ) and Tepeguaje ( Leucaena leucocephala ) (Rodríguez-del-Bosque and Garza-Cedillo); will also girdle mesquite, retama, ebony and citrus..
When is Huisache Girdler active?
Huisache Girdler: seasonal activity - Adults: Aug-Jan (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Huisache Girdler?
Females, with their elongate mandibles: girdle tree branches that can be surprisingly thick: The girdled branch usually breaks from its own weight: The female makes bites into the branch distal to the girdle and lays eggs into those bite sites: The developing larvae make galleries in the dead wood: