Blackened Milkweed Beetle
Tetraopes melanurus
This record describes Tetraopes melanurus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinctive heavy marks on elytra, in addition to spots. Weak callus on pronotum. Antennae all dark.
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
e.US (NY‒MI to FL‒MS)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults and larva on Butterfly Weed, Asclepias tuberosa
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetraopes melanurus Schönherr 1817
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tetraopes melanurus. 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 Blackened Milkweed Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackened Milkweed Beetle
What is Blackened Milkweed Beetle?
Blackened Milkweed Beetle (Tetraopes melanurus) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Blackened Milkweed Beetle?
7‒12 mm
How do you identify Blackened Milkweed Beetle?
Distinctive heavy marks on elytra, in addition to spots. Weak callus on pronotum. Antennae all dark.
Where is Blackened Milkweed Beetle found?
Range: e.US (NY‒MI to FL‒MS)
What does Blackened Milkweed Beetle eat?
The diet of the Blackened Milkweed Beetle includes adults and larva on Butterfly Weed, Asclepias tuberosa.