Polycesta (Arizonica) aruensis
Polycesta aruensis
This record describes Polycesta aruensis (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

[= velasco ] - alternate interstrial spaces of the elytra costate, sutural margins of the elytra widened at the apices and exhibiting a very distinctive reddish green luster. Det. S. G. Wellso
Wikipedia reference for Polycesta aruensis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycesta aruensis.
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
[= velasco ] occurs at the lower elevations in the southwest
Geographic Range
CA-AZ, s. TX / Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: in Texas, larvae in Texas Ebony - Ebenopsis ebano (Fabaceae) and Willow - Salix
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polycesta aruensis Obenberger 1924
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polycesta aruensis. 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) aruensis (6)
Photo credits: (c) Colin Barrows, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Joel DuBois, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Joel DuBois | (c) Damon Tighe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Damon Tighe | (c) Will Richardson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Will Richardson | Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Polycesta (Arizonica) aruensis
What is Polycesta (Arizonica) aruensis?
Polycesta (Arizonica) aruensis (Polycesta aruensis) is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Polycesta (Arizonica) aruensis?
[= velasco ] 15-27.5 mm
How do you identify Polycesta (Arizonica) aruensis?
[= velasco ] - alternate interstrial spaces of the elytra costate, sutural margins of the elytra widened at the apices and exhibiting a very distinctive reddish green luster. Det. S. G. Wellso
Where is Polycesta (Arizonica) aruensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | [= velasco ] occurs at the lower elevations in the southwest |
| Range | CA-AZ, s. TX / Mex. - Map |
What does Polycesta (Arizonica) aruensis eat?
The diet of the Polycesta (Arizonica) aruensis includes in Texas, larvae in Texas Ebony - Ebenopsis ebano (Fabaceae) and Willow - Salix.
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