White Oak Branch Girdler
Purpuricenus paraxillaris
This record describes Purpuricenus paraxillaris (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
Habitat
The largest series collected were from bait traps in MD in oak/hickory forest
Geographic Range
e. US: TX-FL-NY-IL - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: oaks ( Quercus ) and chestnut ( Castanea dentata )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: paraxillaris means "near axillaris "
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Purpuricenus paraxillaris. 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 White Oak Branch Girdler
How big is White Oak Branch Girdler?
12-23 mm
Where is White Oak Branch Girdler found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | The largest series collected were from bait traps in MD in oak/hickory forest |
| Range | e. US: TX-FL-NY-IL - Map |
What does White Oak Branch Girdler eat?
The diet of the White Oak Branch Girdler includes hosts: oaks ( Quercus ) and chestnut ( Castanea dentata ).
When is White Oak Branch Girdler active?
White Oak Branch Girdler: seasonal activity - Apr-Aug.