Acanthoscelides quadridentatus
This record describes Acanthoscelides quadridentatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
straw yellow color with dark brown dorsal markings, pronotum broadly striped and pygidium usually narrowly striped, elytral striae parallel, femoral pecten with one long and four shorter denticles, mucro short, and male genitalia distinctive. Type locality: Brownsville, Cameron Co., 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
s. FL, s. TX to S. Amer. - Map , also introduced into Australia and Thailand
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host plants: Mimosa pigra , M. pigra berlandieri, M. strigillosa
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acanthoscelides quadridentatus. 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 quadridentatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Acanthoscelides quadridentatus
What is Acanthoscelides quadridentatus?
Acanthoscelides quadridentatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acanthoscelides quadridentatus?
Body length 2.1–3.3 mm; width 1.1–1.9 mm
How do you identify Acanthoscelides quadridentatus?
straw yellow color with dark brown dorsal markings, pronotum broadly striped and pygidium usually narrowly striped, elytral striae parallel, femoral pecten with one long and four shorter denticles, mucro short, and male genitalia distinctive.
Where is Acanthoscelides quadridentatus found?
Range: s. FL, s. TX to S. Amer. - Map , also introduced into Australia and Thailand
What does Acanthoscelides quadridentatus eat?
The diet of the Acanthoscelides quadridentatus includes Host plants: Mimosa pigra , M. pigra berlandieri, M. strigillosa.