Tragosoma spiculum
This record describes Tragosoma spiculum (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Prioninae
- Tribe
- Meroscelisini
- Genus
- Tragosoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southern Rocky Mountains (s.CO, NM) + isolated mountains in se AZ
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Life History
found at night ovipositing in cracks of Pinus chihuahuana bark
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tragosoma spiculum Casey 1890
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tragosoma spiculum. 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 Tragosoma spiculum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tragosoma spiculum
Where is Tragosoma spiculum found?
Range: southern Rocky Mountains (s.CO, NM) + isolated mountains in se AZ
When is Tragosoma spiculum active?
Tragosoma spiculum: seasonal activity - Jun-Aug.
What is the life cycle of a Tragosoma spiculum?
found at night ovipositing in cracks of Pinus chihuahuana bark