Stenelytrana gigas
This record describes Stenelytrana gigas (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Effective mimic of a Tarantula Hawk wasp. Will occasionally appear at lights as well as bait. Strong, agile flyer, difficult to capture without using bait or lights.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lepturinae
- Tribe
- Lepturini
- Genus
- Stenelytrana
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
extremely attracted to sugary baits placed near mature forests of oak, willow or hackberry. (Dan Heffern, pers.comm. to =v=, 31.v.2014)
Geographic Range
from the Lower Rio Grande Valley and the Nueces River drainage system running north to south-central or southwestern Oklahoma and extending west to the Davis Mts, Cochise Mts and quite likely into the mountains of southern New Mexico above 5000' (Dan Heffern, pers.comm. to =v=, 31.v.2014)
Seasonal Activity
Apr‒Aug in so.TX , May‒Jul in north-central TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae live primarily in rotten willow wood, either fallen logs or rotting portions of live trees; may also use oak or hackberry.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stenelytrana gigas (LeConte 1873)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stenelytrana gigas. 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 Stenelytrana gigas
What is Stenelytrana gigas?
Stenelytrana gigas is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Stenelytrana gigas found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | extremely attracted to sugary baits placed near mature forests of oak, willow or hackberry. (Dan Heffern, pers.comm. to =v=, 31.v.2014) |
| Range | from the Lower Rio Grande Valley and the Nueces River drainage system running north to south-central or southwestern Oklahoma and extending west to the Davis Mts, Cochise Mts and quite likely into the mountains of southern New Mexico above 5000' (Dan Heffern, pers.comm. to =v=, 31.v.2014) |
What does Stenelytrana gigas eat?
The diet of the Stenelytrana gigas includes Larvae live primarily in rotten willow wood, either fallen logs or rotting portions of live trees; may also use oak or hackberry..
When is Stenelytrana gigas active?
Stenelytrana gigas: seasonal activity - Apr‒Aug in so.TX , May‒Jul in north-central TX.