Altica texana
This record describes Altica texana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX (Schaeffer 1906)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Altica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Texas - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: In Texas, adults collected from several members of the Onagraceae. Those plants identified to species include Calylophus berlandieri , Oenothera mckelveyae , Oenothera curtiflora , and Oenothera speciosa ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Altica texana Schaeffer, 1906
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Altica texana. 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 Altica texana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Altica texana
What is Altica texana?
Altica texana is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Altica texana found?
Range: Texas - Map
What does Altica texana eat?
The diet of the Altica texana includes In Texas, adults collected from several members of the Onagraceae. Those plants identified to species include Calylophus berlandieri , Oenothera mckelveyae , Oenothera curtiflora , and Oenothera speciosa ( 5 ).