Stenosphenus notatus
This record describes Stenosphenus notatus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Stenosphenus notatus is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Olivier in 1795. Larvae of the species breed in dead limbs of Carya species, and occasionally Celtis.
Identification notes
Combination of red pronotum with black spot (latter rarely absent), shiny black elytra with white hairs is distinctive
Wikipedia reference for Stenosphenus notatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stenosphenus_notatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Elaphidiini
- Genus
- Stenosphenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to Great Plains & s. TX - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) (the only eastern species)
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Mar-May (BG data) ( 6 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed in dead limbs of Hickory ( Carya ) or Hackberry ( Celtis )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stenosphenus notatus (Olivier 1795)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stenosphenus notatus. 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 Stenosphenus notatus (6)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug | no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Bédard | (c) Ty Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ty Smith | Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Stenosphenus notatus
What is Stenosphenus notatus?
Stenosphenus notatus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Stenosphenus notatus?
9-16 mm
How do you identify Stenosphenus notatus?
Combination of red pronotum with black spot (latter rarely absent), shiny black elytra with white hairs is distinctive
Where is Stenosphenus notatus found?
Range: e. NA to Great Plains & s. TX - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) (the only eastern species)
What does Stenosphenus notatus eat?
The diet of the Stenosphenus notatus includes Larvae feed in dead limbs of Hickory ( Carya ) or Hackberry ( Celtis ).
When is Stenosphenus notatus active?
Stenosphenus notatus: seasonal activity - mostly: Mar-May (BG data) ( 6 ).