Parelaphidion incertum
This record describes Parelaphidion incertum (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Parelaphidion incertum (Parelaphidion incertum) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as longhorn beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Elaphidiini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Chrysomeloidea. This species belongs to the genus Parelaphidion. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 8-15 mm. Active during April-Sept.
Identification notes
Key to spp. Skiles 1985 ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Elaphidiini
- Genus
- Parelaphidion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA to s. & w. TX (TX-FL-QC-IA) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Seasonal Activity
April-Sept ( 6 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed primarily in living Morus , but also Quercus and Carya ( 6 )
Life History
Adults are attracted to lights and fermenting molasses baits ( 7 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Parelaphidion incertum. 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 Parelaphidion incertum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Parelaphidion incertum
What is Parelaphidion incertum?
Parelaphidion incertum is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Parelaphidion incertum?
8-15 mm
How do you identify Parelaphidion incertum?
Key to spp. Skiles 1985 ( 3 )
Where is Parelaphidion incertum found?
Range: e NA to s. & w. TX (TX-FL-QC-IA) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 )
What does Parelaphidion incertum eat?
The diet of the Parelaphidion incertum includes Larvae feed primarily in living Morus , but also Quercus and Carya ( 6 ).
When is Parelaphidion incertum active?
Parelaphidion incertum: seasonal activity - April-Sept ( 6 ).
What is the life cycle of a Parelaphidion incertum?
Adults are attracted to lights and fermenting molasses baits ( 7 )