Scrub Oak Borer
Purpuricenus dimidiatus
This record describes Purpuricenus dimidiatus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Trachyderini
- Genus
- Purpuricenus (Purplescent Longhorn Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
OR-CA
Seasonal Activity
May-Sep
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: oaks, willow
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Purpuricenus dimidiatus LeConte Latin 'divided in halves'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Purpuricenus dimidiatus. 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 Scrub Oak Borer (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrub Oak Borer
Where is Scrub Oak Borer found?
Range: OR-CA
What does Scrub Oak Borer eat?
The diet of the Scrub Oak Borer includes hosts: oaks, willow.
When is Scrub Oak Borer active?
Scrub Oak Borer: seasonal activity - May-Sep.