Polycesta elata
This record describes Polycesta elata (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Prothorax with three large excavations; elytra strongly costate. Front deeply concave. Elytra moderately clathrate; interstices (except the smooth coste) densely punctured Det. C. L. Bellamy, 2001 one of the largest and better known US spp. of Polycesta , yet it is represented by rather small series in most collections Type Locality: Texas, coll'ed by Haldeman, probably near Ft. Hood/Ft. Cavazos
Identification notes
Prothorax with three large excavations; elytra strongly costate. Front deeply concave. Elytra moderately clathrate; interstices (except the smooth coste) densely punctured ( 3 ) Det. C. L. Bellamy, 2001
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
Geographic Range
sc US (TX-LA-s.IL-OK) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , mostly OK to c. TX
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-June ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae recording hosting in: Gregg's Ash ( Fraxinus greggii , Oleaceae) and American sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis , Platanaceae) ( 6 ) , but the range of a host that best matches the range of the beetle is Texas Red Oak ( Quercus buckleyi (= texana , Fagaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polycesta elata LeConte 1858
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polycesta elata. 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 elata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Polycesta elata
What is Polycesta elata?
Polycesta elata is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Polycesta elata?
Length: 15 to 27 mm
How do you identify Polycesta elata?
Prothorax with three large excavations; elytra strongly costate. Front deeply concave. Elytra moderately clathrate; interstices (except the smooth coste) densely punctured ( 3 ) Det. C. L. Bellamy, 2001
Where is Polycesta elata found?
Range: sc US (TX-LA-s.IL-OK) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , mostly OK to c. TX
What does Polycesta elata eat?
The diet of the Polycesta elata includes Larvae recording hosting in: Gregg's Ash ( Fraxinus greggii , Oleaceae) and American sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis , Platanaceae) ( 6 ) , but the range of a host that best matches the range of the beetle is Texas Red Oak ( Quercus buckleyi (= texana , Fagaceae) ( 4 ).
When is Polycesta elata active?
Polycesta elata: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-June ( 5 ).