Xestoleptura octonotata
This record describes Xestoleptura octonotata (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very long, shining. Elytra dark, each with four spots.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lepturinae
- Tribe
- Lepturini
- Genus
- Xestoleptura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deciduous forests
Geographic Range
ON & e US (MA‒SC‒MS to WI‒IA)
Seasonal Activity
May-Jul
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on decaying oak
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xestoleptura octonotata (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xestoleptura octonotata. 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 Xestoleptura octonotata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Xestoleptura octonotata
What is Xestoleptura octonotata?
Xestoleptura octonotata is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xestoleptura octonotata?
11‒14 mm
How do you identify Xestoleptura octonotata?
Very long, shining. Elytra dark, each with four spots.
Where is Xestoleptura octonotata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deciduous forests |
| Range | ON & e US (MA‒SC‒MS to WI‒IA) |
When is Xestoleptura octonotata active?
Xestoleptura octonotata: seasonal activity - May-Jul.
What is the life cycle of a Xestoleptura octonotata?
Larvae feed on decaying oak