Algarobius prosopis
This record describes Algarobius prosopis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
male Algarobius spp. lack sulci and are externally indistinguishable from ea. other female w/ sulci nearly confluent with apical margin Type locality: California, Colorado Desert
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
CA-TX-UT-NV / Mex. - Map , common from s. CA to c. TX to Mex.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Prosopis chilensis, P. glan-dulosa torreyana, P. laevigata, P. velutina, P. pubescens, P. reptans cinerascens, P. alba (introduced into Arizona).
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Algarobius prosopis. 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 prosopis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Lynette Elliott , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Algarobius prosopis
What is Algarobius prosopis?
Algarobius prosopis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Algarobius prosopis?
Body length 2.1–4.1 mm; width 1.0–2.2 mm.
How do you identify Algarobius prosopis?
male Algarobius spp. lack sulci and are externally indistinguishable from ea. other female w/ sulci nearly confluent with apical margin
Where is Algarobius prosopis found?
Range: CA-TX-UT-NV / Mex. - Map , common from s. CA to c. TX to Mex.
What does Algarobius prosopis eat?
The diet of the Algarobius prosopis includes Hosts: Prosopis chilensis, P. glan-dulosa torreyana, P. laevigata, P. velutina, P. pubescens, P. reptans cinerascens, P. alba (introduced into Arizona)..