Taphrocerus schaefferi
This record describes Taphrocerus schaefferi (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Taphrocerus schaefferi is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Taphrocerus schaefferi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taphrocerus schaefferi.
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 to the Rockies (NY-FL to AB-AZ) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae on "nutsedge" and Cyperus esculentus ; adults also on Carex vulpinoidea
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Taphrocerus schaefferi Nicolay & Weiss 1920
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Taphrocerus schaefferi. 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 schaefferi (3)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Russell Pfau, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Russell Pfau | Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Taphrocerus schaefferi
What is Taphrocerus schaefferi?
Taphrocerus schaefferi is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Taphrocerus schaefferi?
3-4 mm
Where is Taphrocerus schaefferi found?
Range: e NA to the Rockies (NY-FL to AB-AZ) - Map
What does Taphrocerus schaefferi eat?
The diet of the Taphrocerus schaefferi includes Larvae on nutsedge and Cyperus esculentus ; adults also on Carex vulpinoidea.