Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus
This record describes Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
red integument, eyes strongly enlarged in both sexes, narrowly divided on midline in male, frons carinate and narrowed, third and fourth striae ending in denticles on a gibbosity, and female pygidium with paired, curvate maculae. Type locality: Texas, Brownsville, Esperanza Ranch. 33 spmns taken during s. TX surveys of Hidalgo (mostly) and Cameron counties
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Acanthoscelides
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.TX, s. FL, HI / Mex to C. Amer. - Map (Introduced into FL, HI, and S. Africa, Taiwan, Australia)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Leucaena spp. - Leucaena leucocephala, L. pulverulenta, L. retusa (Fabaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: macrophthalmus (G). 'large-eye'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus. 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 Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus
What is Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus?
Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus?
length 2.9–3.8 mm
How do you identify Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus?
red integument, eyes strongly enlarged in both sexes, narrowly divided on midline in male, frons carinate and narrowed, third and fourth striae ending in denticles on a gibbosity, and female pygidium with paired, curvate maculae.
Where is Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus found?
Range: s.TX, s. FL, HI / Mex to C. Amer. - Map (Introduced into FL, HI, and S. Africa, Taiwan, Australia)
What does Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus eat?
The diet of the Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus includes Leucaena spp. - Leucaena leucocephala, L. pulverulenta, L. retusa (Fabaceae).