Rhagonycha excavata
This record describes Rhagonycha excavata (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Slender, pronotum yellowish. Elytra blackish to yellowish. Blatchley , an older work, gives a description:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cantharinae
- Tribe
- Cantharini
- Genus
- Rhagonycha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to BC - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Apr-July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults may prey on aphids ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhagonycha excavata (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhagonycha excavata. 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 Rhagonycha excavata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhagonycha excavata
What is Rhagonycha excavata?
Rhagonycha excavata is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhagonycha excavata?
5-6 mm
How do you identify Rhagonycha excavata?
Slender, pronotum yellowish. Elytra blackish to yellowish. Blatchley , an older work, gives a description:
Where is Rhagonycha excavata found?
Range: e. NA to BC - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Rhagonycha excavata eat?
The diet of the Rhagonycha excavata includes Adults may prey on aphids ( 5 ).
When is Rhagonycha excavata active?
Rhagonycha excavata: seasonal activity - Apr-July.