Red-femured Milkweed Borer
Tetraopes femoratus
This record describes Tetraopes femoratus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
edges of mid-pronotal callus sharply defined ; the most variable member of the genus
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
w.NA to midwest, AL Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Asclepias fascicularis, A. hallii, A. lemmonii, A. longifolia var. hirtella, A. meadii, A. speciosa, A. syriaca, A. viridis
Life History
Larvae bore into stems and overwinter in roots. Pupation occurs in spring, and adults emerge in mid to late summer ( 10 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetraopes femoratus LeConte 1847
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tetraopes femoratus. 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 Red-femured Milkweed Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Scott Taylor; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Red-femured Milkweed Borer
What is Red-femured Milkweed Borer?
Red-femured Milkweed Borer (Tetraopes femoratus) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Red-femured Milkweed Borer?
8-19 mm
How do you identify Red-femured Milkweed Borer?
edges of mid-pronotal callus sharply defined ; the most variable member of the genus
Where is Red-femured Milkweed Borer found?
Range: w.NA to midwest, AL Map
What does Red-femured Milkweed Borer eat?
The diet of the Red-femured Milkweed Borer includes Asclepias fascicularis, A. hallii, A. lemmonii, A. longifolia var. hirtella, A. meadii, A. speciosa, A. syriaca, A. viridis.
What is the life cycle of a Red-femured Milkweed Borer?
Larvae bore into stems and overwinter in roots. Pupation occurs in spring, and adults emerge in mid to late summer ( 10 )