Physocnemum violaceipenne
This record describes Physocnemum violaceipenne (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
P. violaceipenne is usually 11-13 mm in size and is associated with white oaks, but perhaps other oaks. I have a nice series from NJ, and single specimens from Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. Larvae feed in dead branches. (D. Heffern, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2022)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Callidiini
- Genus
- Physocnemum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne N. Amer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
in dead branches of white oak
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Physocnemum violaceipenne Hamilton 1896
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Physocnemum violaceipenne. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physocnemum violaceipenne
What is Physocnemum violaceipenne?
Physocnemum violaceipenne is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Physocnemum violaceipenne found?
Range: ne N. Amer.
What is the life cycle of a Physocnemum violaceipenne?
in dead branches of white oak