Mecas femoralis

Mecas femoralis can be identified by its small size (6–8 mm), rather uniform pubescence, lack of pronotal calluses on the pronotum, and reddish femora. These features distinguish it from similar small cerambycids in the southeastern United States. The species is most reliably encountered by sweeping dried grass stems in open woodland areas rather than by beating woody vegetation.

Small beetle measuring 6–8 mm in length. Body with rather uniform pubescence. Pronotum lacks calluses. Femora reddish in color.

Dry oak/pine sandhill woodland with grassy understory. Associated with open areas within woodland where dried grasses from the previous growing season persist.

Southeastern United States, with records primarily from Florida. Considered largely endemic to Florida based on available collection records.

Active during cooler morning hours in spring. Adults have been collected in April in Florida when temperatures are moderated by overnight cold fronts.

• Grasses - Adults found on dried grass stems; larval host unknownCollected by sweeping dried grass stems in open woodland areas. Specific larval host plant not documented.

Adults are found on dried grass stems in open woodland areas. Activity appears to be concentrated during cooler morning periods. The species is not readily collected by beating woody vegetation, suggesting a preference for herbaceous substrates.

• Other Mecas speciesSimilar small size and general morphology; distinguished by reddish femora and lack of pronotal calluses in M. femoralis
• Other small LamiinaeMany small longhorn beetles occur in similar habitats; combination of size, pubescence pattern, pronotal structure, and femoral coloration distinguishes M. femoralis

• longhorn beetle
• Florida endemic
• grass-associated
• sandhill habitat
• small size

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Cimbicidae | Beetles In The Bush
• Insecta | Beetles In The Bush | Page 3
• weevils | Beetles In The Bush