Algarobius bottimeri
This record describes Algarobius bottimeri (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
male Algarobius spp. lack sulci and are externally indistinguishable from ea. other females w/ sulci centered one-third from apex Type locality: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park , Hidalgo Co., Texas Both Algarobius bottimeri and A. prosopis have been introduced into South Africa as possible biocontrol agents of Prosopis velutina and P. glandulosa.
Wikipedia reference for Algarobius bottimeri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algarobius bottimeri.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Algarobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NM-TX-OK / Mex. - Map , mostly within Texas with only scattered localities in bordering states
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Nov (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Prosopis g. glandulosa, P. pallida (Hawaii only), P. reptans cinerascens, P. r. reptans.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Algarobius bottimeri Kingsolver, 1972
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Algarobius bottimeri. 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 Algarobius bottimeri (9)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Ashley Schmitz, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ashley Schmitz | (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams | (c) jrod1986, all rights reserved, uploaded by jrod1986 | (c) Joseph Connors, all rights reserved, uploaded by Joseph Connors | Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Algarobius bottimeri
What is Algarobius bottimeri?
Algarobius bottimeri is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Algarobius bottimeri?
Body length 2.7–4.25 mm; width 1.5–2.25 mm.
How do you identify Algarobius bottimeri?
male Algarobius spp. lack sulci and are externally indistinguishable from ea. other females w/ sulci centered one-third from apex
Where is Algarobius bottimeri found?
Range: NM-TX-OK / Mex. - Map , mostly within Texas with only scattered localities in bordering states
What does Algarobius bottimeri eat?
The diet of the Algarobius bottimeri includes Hosts: Prosopis g. glandulosa, P. pallida (Hawaii only), P. reptans cinerascens, P. r. reptans..
When is Algarobius bottimeri active?
Algarobius bottimeri: seasonal activity - Mar-Nov (BG data).