Sternidius alpha
This record describes Sternidius alpha (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
color pattern highly variable ; may be a complex of species One of the most common eastern lamiines ; common at lights
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Acanthocinini
- Genus
- Sternidius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
QC‒FL to *MB‒ID‒CA (*BG data)
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒Oct ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in branches of many hardwoods, shrubs, and vines ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sternidius alpha (Say 1826)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sternidius alpha. 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 Sternidius alpha (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sternidius alpha
What is Sternidius alpha?
Sternidius alpha is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sternidius alpha?
4‒9 mm
How do you identify Sternidius alpha?
color pattern highly variable ; may be a complex of species
Where is Sternidius alpha found?
Range: QC‒FL to *MB‒ID‒CA (*BG data)
What does Sternidius alpha eat?
The diet of the Sternidius alpha includes Larvae in branches of many hardwoods, shrubs, and vines ( 3 ).
When is Sternidius alpha active?
Sternidius alpha: seasonal activity - Mar‒Oct ( 3 ).