Sphenoptera jugoslavica
This record describes Sphenoptera jugoslavica (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
images of diff. stages Introduced from Greece to fight knapweed; first released in 1980.
Identification notes
images of diff. stages
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysochroinae
- Tribe
- Dicercini
- Genus
- Sphenoptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to se. Europe, intentionally introduced in NA and now widespread in the west (BC-CA to SD-CO)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval host: Centaurea diffusa
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphenoptera jugoslavica Obenberger 1926
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphenoptera jugoslavica. 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 Sphenoptera jugoslavica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Lynette Elliott , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphenoptera jugoslavica
What is Sphenoptera jugoslavica?
Sphenoptera jugoslavica is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sphenoptera jugoslavica?
~7 mm
How do you identify Sphenoptera jugoslavica?
images of diff. stages
Where is Sphenoptera jugoslavica found?
Range: native to se. Europe, intentionally introduced in NA and now widespread in the west (BC-CA to SD-CO)
What does Sphenoptera jugoslavica eat?
The diet of the Sphenoptera jugoslavica includes Larval host: Centaurea diffusa.