Red-edged Saperda
Saperda lateralis
This record describes Saperda lateralis (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytra dark gray to blackish with deep surface punctures and orangish-red stripes along lateral and (usually) medial margins; most specimens have no oblique reddish bands on elytra, but some may have 1-3 bands mimic of Lycid beetles
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
Habitat
Deciduous and mixed forests
Geographic Range
e NA (NS-n.FL to s.MB-e.TX) - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-Jul (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on dead wood of hickory elm, hazel, and pine
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Saperda lateralis Fabricius 1775
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Saperda lateralis. 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 Red-edged Saperda
What is Red-edged Saperda?
Red-edged Saperda (Saperda lateralis) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Red-edged Saperda?
9-15 mm
How do you identify Red-edged Saperda?
elytra dark gray to blackish with deep surface punctures and orangish-red stripes along lateral and (usually) medial margins; most specimens have no oblique reddish bands on elytra, but some may have 1-3 bands
Where is Red-edged Saperda found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed forests |
| Range | e NA (NS-n.FL to s.MB-e.TX) - Map |
What does Red-edged Saperda eat?
The diet of the Red-edged Saperda includes Larvae feed on dead wood of hickory elm, hazel, and pine.
When is Red-edged Saperda active?
Red-edged Saperda: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-Jul (BG data).