Taphrocerus howardi
This record describes Taphrocerus howardi (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
I suggest Taphrocerus howardi , based on the parallel-sided form, indistinct pattern of elytral pubescence, and rather coarse elytral punctation. Taph. nicolayi is very similar but usually slightly broadened at the humeri. Other sympatric congeners are either more wedge-shaped, less punctate, lack pubescence, or have more distinct elytral spots.… Ted C. MacRae, 4 March, 2008 Type Locality: Osceola Co., Florida
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agrilinae
- Tribe
- Tracheini
- Genus
- Taphrocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US (TX-FL-WV-AR) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
adults on hairy fimbry - Fimbristylis puberula , and bulrush - Scirpus sp. (Cyperaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Taphrocerus howardi Obenberger 1934
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Taphrocerus howardi. 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 Taphrocerus howardi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Taphrocerus howardi
What is Taphrocerus howardi?
Taphrocerus howardi is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Taphrocerus howardi?
I suggest Taphrocerus howardi , based on the parallel-sided form, indistinct pattern of elytral pubescence, and rather coarse elytral punctation. Taph. nicolayi is very similar but usually slightly broadened at the humeri. Other sympatric congeners are either more wedge-shaped, less punctate, lack pubescence, or have more distinct elytral spots.… Ted C. MacRae, 4 March, 2008
Where is Taphrocerus howardi found?
Range: se US (TX-FL-WV-AR) - Map
What is the life cycle of a Taphrocerus howardi?
adults on hairy fimbry - Fimbristylis puberula , and bulrush - Scirpus sp. (Cyperaceae)