Hickory Saperda
Saperda discoidea
This record describes Saperda discoidea (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Remarkably dimorphic This species is remarkable in having the sexes so unlike that one unacquainted with it would certainly consider them distinct species. In a long series of males, however, there will be found individuals having the same color and markings as the females, and some very poorly developed females lack entirely the characteristic markings of the sex. (Felt & Joutel 1904) ------male------------female------- comes to UV lights
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Saperdini
- Genus
- Saperda
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US, se. CAN - Map , rare in Gulf states
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Sep
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on Carya , Juglans , and occasionally other hardwoods ( 3 )
Life History
This is a common insect and breeds abundantly in hickory, frequently following the work of the destructive hickory bark borer, Scolytus quadrispinosus Say. It is sometimes so abundant that a piece of bark 6 inches square may contain a dozen or more larvae. (Felt & Joutel 1904)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Saperda discoidea Fabricius 1798
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Saperda discoidea. 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 Hickory Saperda (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hickory Saperda
What is Hickory Saperda?
Hickory Saperda (Saperda discoidea) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hickory Saperda?
9-17 mm
How do you identify Hickory Saperda?
Remarkably dimorphic This species is remarkable in having the sexes so unlike that one unacquainted with it would certainly consider them distinct species. In a long series of males, however, there will be found individuals having the same color and markings as the females, and some very poorly developed females lack entirely the characteristic markings of the sex. (Felt & Joutel 1904) ------male------------female-------
Where is Hickory Saperda found?
Range: e. US, se. CAN - Map , rare in Gulf states
What does Hickory Saperda eat?
The diet of the Hickory Saperda includes Larvae feed on Carya , Juglans , and occasionally other hardwoods ( 3 ).
When is Hickory Saperda active?
Hickory Saperda: seasonal activity - Apr-Sep.
What is the life cycle of a Hickory Saperda?
This is a common insect and breeds abundantly in hickory, frequently following the work of the destructive hickory bark borer, Scolytus quadrispinosus Say. It is sometimes so abundant that a piece of bark 6 inches square may contain a dozen or more larvae. (Felt & Joutel 1904)