Purpuricenus opacus
This record describes Purpuricenus opacus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinguished from other N. Amer. Purpuricenus by its brunneus to dull-orange elytra with at most the apical one-third black Rare in dry years ; a large series collected in fermenting bait traps placed in a dry oak/juniper/pine woodland at Davis Mountains Resort , Limpia Canyon at Yellow Knife Trail, 1769 m (5800 ft)
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
Habitat
a large series collected in fermenting bait traps in a dry oak woodland dominated by Quercus emoryi, Q. vaseyana, Juniper deppeana, Pinus remota
Geographic Range
Davis Mountains, w. TX
Seasonal Activity
Late June to late July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts unknown; adults have only been beaten from oaks ( Quercus )
Life History
most frequently collected from fermenting traps
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Purpuricenus opacus. 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 Purpuricenus opacus
What is Purpuricenus opacus?
Purpuricenus opacus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Purpuricenus opacus?
13-19 mm
How do you identify Purpuricenus opacus?
distinguished from other N. Amer. Purpuricenus by its brunneus to dull-orange elytra with at most the apical one-third black
Where is Purpuricenus opacus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | a large series collected in fermenting bait traps in a dry oak woodland dominated by Quercus emoryi, Q. vaseyana, Juniper deppeana, Pinus remota |
| Range | Davis Mountains, w. TX |
What does Purpuricenus opacus eat?
The diet of the Purpuricenus opacus includes Larval hosts unknown; adults have only been beaten from oaks ( Quercus ).
When is Purpuricenus opacus active?
Purpuricenus opacus: seasonal activity - Late June to late July.
What is the life cycle of a Purpuricenus opacus?
most frequently collected from fermenting traps