Taphrocerus nicolayi
This record describes Taphrocerus nicolayi (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dets. T. C. MacRae infrequently collected
Identification notes
Dets. T. C. MacRae
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
e. NA (TX-FL-ME-NE) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults on Carex spp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Taphrocerus nicolayi Obenberger 1924
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Taphrocerus nicolayi. 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 nicolayi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Taphrocerus nicolayi
What is Taphrocerus nicolayi?
Taphrocerus nicolayi is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Taphrocerus nicolayi?
3-4 mm
How do you identify Taphrocerus nicolayi?
Dets. T. C. MacRae
Where is Taphrocerus nicolayi found?
Range: e. NA (TX-FL-ME-NE) - Map
What is the life cycle of a Taphrocerus nicolayi?
Adults on Carex spp.