Tragidion coquus
This record describes Tragidion coquus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
amount of orange on the elytra highly variable One hundred and eighty-seven specimens examined from north-central TX ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Trachyderini
- Genus
- Tragidion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in north-central TX, adults taken from many plants, including Thurberia, Salix, Helianthus, Grindelia, Prionopsis ( 4 )
Geographic Range
e US to NM-CO (NH-FL to CO-NM) - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly Sept-Oct ( 4 ) (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae develop in Quercus and Celtis ( 5 ) adults perhaps most commonly associated with Spanish gold ( Prionopsis ) in north-central TX where dozens were seen feeding and mating on the dying blossoms during September and October ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tragidion coquus ( Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tragidion coquus. 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 Tragidion coquus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov , bmathison1972
Frequently Asked Questions About Tragidion coquus
What is Tragidion coquus?
Tragidion coquus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tragidion coquus?
15-25 mm
How do you identify Tragidion coquus?
amount of orange on the elytra highly variable
Where is Tragidion coquus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in north-central TX, adults taken from many plants, including Thurberia, Salix, Helianthus, Grindelia, Prionopsis ( 4 ) |
| Range | e US to NM-CO (NH-FL to CO-NM) - Map |
What does Tragidion coquus eat?
The diet of the Tragidion coquus includes Larvae develop in Quercus and Celtis ( 5 ) adults perhaps most commonly associated with Spanish gold ( Prionopsis ) in north-central TX where dozens were seen feeding and mating on the dying blossoms during September and October ( 4 ).
When is Tragidion coquus active?
Tragidion coquus: seasonal activity - mostly Sept-Oct ( 4 ) (BG data).