Oxycopis mcdonaldi
This record describes Oxycopis mcdonaldi (species). Recorded family: Oedemeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
may swarm around lights in great numbers and cause blistering if crushed on the skin
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Oedemeridae (False Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Oedemerinae
- Tribe
- Asclerini
- Genus
- Oxycopis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL (along the coast from Levy Co. to Key West and along the east coast north to Volusia Co.) & West Indies
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed in moist decayed wood, often along coastlines ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oxycopis mcdonaldi (Arnett 1951)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oxycopis mcdonaldi. 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 Oxycopis mcdonaldi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxycopis mcdonaldi
What is Oxycopis mcdonaldi?
Oxycopis mcdonaldi is a species in the family Oedemeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oxycopis mcdonaldi?
5-9 mm
Where is Oxycopis mcdonaldi found?
Range: FL (along the coast from Levy Co. to Key West and along the east coast north to Volusia Co.) & West Indies
What does Oxycopis mcdonaldi eat?
The diet of the Oxycopis mcdonaldi includes Larvae feed in moist decayed wood, often along coastlines ( 3 ).