Tetraopes texanus
This record describes Tetraopes texanus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very long setae at apex of most antennomeres, as long as adjacent antennomeres. Last antennomere abruptly flattened midway and slightly curved. edges of mid-pronotal callus generally not sharply defined Det. M. A. Quinn, 2016 this is the most common sp. in Texas , but is considered by Arkansas to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
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
sc US (NM-TX-MO-NE) / n. Mex ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , also MS-AL ( 6 ) - Map ( 7 ) , mostly OK to c.TX, c.MS-c.AL
Seasonal Activity
Apr-June, Sept in TX (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed in Green Milkweed - Asclepias longifolia var. hirtella Adults found on Green Comet Milkweed - Asclepias viridiflora in Missouri Schieffer reports that Asclepias viridis is the likely host of T. texanus in Mississippi and Alabama. adults found on Asclepias asperula , Asclepias viridis , and Asclepias tuberosa in Texas and/or Oklahoma (BG data)
Life History
Larvae are root borers, adults feed on leaves and flowers
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tetraopes texanus. 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 texanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Tetraopes texanus
What is Tetraopes texanus?
Tetraopes texanus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tetraopes texanus?
11-17 mm
How do you identify Tetraopes texanus?
Very long setae at apex of most antennomeres, as long as adjacent antennomeres. Last antennomere abruptly flattened midway and slightly curved. edges of mid-pronotal callus generally not sharply defined Det. M. A. Quinn, 2016
Where is Tetraopes texanus found?
Range: sc US (NM-TX-MO-NE) / n. Mex ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , also MS-AL ( 6 ) - Map ( 7 ) , mostly OK to c.TX, c.MS-c.AL
What does Tetraopes texanus eat?
The diet of the Tetraopes texanus includes Larvae feed in Green Milkweed - Asclepias longifolia var. hirtella Adults found on Green Comet Milkweed - Asclepias viridiflora in Missouri Schieffer reports that Asclepias viridis is the likely host of T. texanus in Mississippi and Alabama. adults found on Asclepias asperula , Asclepias viridis , and Asclepias tuberosa in Texas and/or Oklahoma (BG data).
When is Tetraopes texanus active?
Tetraopes texanus: seasonal activity - Apr-June, Sept in TX (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Tetraopes texanus?
Larvae are root borers, adults feed on leaves and flowers