Acanthoscelides pectoralis
This record describes Acanthoscelides pectoralis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguishing characteristics for this species are body largely red with black frons and vertex, thoracic sterna, legs, and elytral border; dorsal vestiture yellowish; and mucro short. Type Locality: Texas
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
AZ, TX / Mex. - Map , most records from TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Bundleflower - Desmanthus sp., D. leptolobus, D. obtusus, D. reticulatus, D. velutinus, D. virgatus. (Fabaceae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acanthoscelides pectoralis. 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 pectoralis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Acanthoscelides pectoralis
What is Acanthoscelides pectoralis?
Acanthoscelides pectoralis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acanthoscelides pectoralis?
length 2.3–3.1 mm
How do you identify Acanthoscelides pectoralis?
Distinguishing characteristics for this species are body largely red with black frons and vertex, thoracic sterna, legs, and elytral border; dorsal vestiture yellowish; and mucro short.
Where is Acanthoscelides pectoralis found?
Range: AZ, TX / Mex. - Map , most records from TX
What does Acanthoscelides pectoralis eat?
The diet of the Acanthoscelides pectoralis includes Bundleflower - Desmanthus sp., D. leptolobus, D. obtusus, D. reticulatus, D. velutinus, D. virgatus. (Fabaceae).