Tetraopes basalis
This record describes Tetraopes basalis (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Tetraopini
- Genus
- Tetraopes (Milkweed Longhorn Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw.OR‒CA along the west side of the Sierra Nevada
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Asclepias eriocarpa , A. mexicana, A. speciosa[/i]
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetraopes basalis LeConte 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tetraopes basalis. 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 Tetraopes basalis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Hartmut Wisch , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tetraopes basalis
How big is Tetraopes basalis?
12‒15 mm
Where is Tetraopes basalis found?
Range: sw.OR‒CA along the west side of the Sierra Nevada
What does Tetraopes basalis eat?
The diet of the Tetraopes basalis includes Hosts: Asclepias eriocarpa , A. mexicana, A. speciosa[/i].