Oxycopis thoracica
This record describes Oxycopis thoracica (species). Recorded family: Oedemeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Oxycopis thoracica (Oxycopis thoracica) is a species in the family Oedemeridae, commonly known as false blister beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Oedemerinae, tribe Asclerini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Tenebrionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Oxycopis. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 5.6-9.0 mm. It is found in Adults on flowers of palmetto ( Sabal palmetto ), New Jersey tea ( Ceanothus americanum ), aster ( Seriocarpus ), etc..
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
Habitat
Adults on flowers of palmetto ( Sabal palmetto ), New Jersey tea ( Ceanothus americanum ), aster ( Seriocarpus ), etc. ( 3 )
Geographic Range
e. US to AZ (NH-FL to IN-AR-AZ)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oxycopis thoracica (Fabricius 1801)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oxycopis thoracica. 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 thoracica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxycopis thoracica
What is Oxycopis thoracica?
Oxycopis thoracica is a species in the family Oedemeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oxycopis thoracica?
5.6-9.0 mm
Where is Oxycopis thoracica found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults on flowers of palmetto ( Sabal palmetto ), New Jersey tea ( Ceanothus americanum ), aster ( Seriocarpus ), etc. ( 3 ) |
| Range | e. US to AZ (NH-FL to IN-AR-AZ) |