Tetraopes thermophilus
This record describes Tetraopes thermophilus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
mid-pronotal callus with sharp, nearly parallel edges antennae without long setae, ant. tips not pointed Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017 Type Locality: Veracruz, Mexico
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
se TX to C. Amer. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Sept-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: most frequently on Zizotes Milkweed ( Asclepias oenotheroides ) ( 4 ) (BG data) ( 7 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetraopes thermophilus Chevrolat 1861
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tetraopes thermophilus. 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 thermophilus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Tetraopes thermophilus
What is Tetraopes thermophilus?
Tetraopes thermophilus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tetraopes thermophilus?
8-14 mm
How do you identify Tetraopes thermophilus?
mid-pronotal callus with sharp, nearly parallel edges antennae without long setae, ant. tips not pointed Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017
Where is Tetraopes thermophilus found?
Range: se TX to C. Amer. - Map
What does Tetraopes thermophilus eat?
The diet of the Tetraopes thermophilus includes most frequently on Zizotes Milkweed ( Asclepias oenotheroides ) ( 4 ) (BG data) ( 7 ).
When is Tetraopes thermophilus active?
Tetraopes thermophilus: seasonal activity - Sept-Oct (BG data).