Polycesta arizonica
This record describes Polycesta arizonica (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
rather feebly shining, black with a reddish green luster, elytra with alternate interstrial spaces costate, apices widened internally Det. C. L. Bellamy, 2001 Type Locality: Palmerlee, Cochise Co., Arizona
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Polycestinae
- Tribe
- Thrincopygini
- Genus
- Polycesta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
mountainous regions of the Southwest where oaks occur
Geographic Range
AZ to w. TX (Davis & Chisos Mtns) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
larvae host in southwestern oaks: Quercus arizonica, Q. emoryi, Q. gravesii, Q. hypoleucoides and Q. pungens , and Q. vaseyana (Fagaceae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polycesta arizonica. 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 Polycesta arizonica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Polycesta arizonica
What is Polycesta arizonica?
Polycesta arizonica is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Polycesta arizonica?
11.5-23 mm
How do you identify Polycesta arizonica?
rather feebly shining, black with a reddish green luster, elytra with alternate interstrial spaces costate, apices widened internally Det. C. L. Bellamy, 2001
Where is Polycesta arizonica found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mountainous regions of the Southwest where oaks occur |
| Range | AZ to w. TX (Davis & Chisos Mtns) - Map |
What is the life cycle of a Polycesta arizonica?
larvae host in southwestern oaks: Quercus arizonica, Q. emoryi, Q. gravesii, Q. hypoleucoides and Q. pungens , and Q. vaseyana (Fagaceae)