Tricrania sanguinipennis
This record describes Tricrania sanguinipennis (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | Body black with abundant hairs (setae), elytra red. |
| Wings | Wings reduced--flightless . The only eastern Tricrania . |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nemognathinae
- Tribe
- Nemognathini
- Genus
- Tricrania
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA & adj. Canada (TX-FL-ME-NE) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Apr (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A parasitoid of colonial bees, such as Colletes . Adults (newly transformed, presumably) overwinter in brood cells of the host (Parker and Böving, 1924).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tricrania sanguinipennis Say 1824
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tricrania sanguinipennis. 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 Tricrania sanguinipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tricrania sanguinipennis
What is Tricrania sanguinipennis?
Tricrania sanguinipennis is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tricrania sanguinipennis?
8.5-15 mm
How do you identify Tricrania sanguinipennis?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | Body black with abundant hairs (setae), elytra red. |
| Wings | Wings reduced--flightless . The only eastern Tricrania . |
Where is Tricrania sanguinipennis found?
Range: e. NA & adj. Canada (TX-FL-ME-NE) - Map
When is Tricrania sanguinipennis active?
Tricrania sanguinipennis: seasonal activity - Feb-Apr (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Tricrania sanguinipennis?
A parasitoid of colonial bees, such as Colletes . Adults (newly transformed, presumably) overwinter in brood cells of the host (Parker and Böving, 1924).