Amphelasma cavum
This record describes Amphelasma cavum (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Luperini
- Genus
- Amphelasma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
so. AZ / Mex. (Pena Blanca area, per E.G. Riley)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ Salvia in Mexico Note, Eben was referencing a Ward et al. record which actually referred to " Amphelasma sp." in Mexico w/o specifying the species involved... ; (also Barber described the genus, but Say described cava .)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amphelasma cavum vicinum (Jacoby)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amphelasma cavum. 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 Amphelasma cavum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Amphelasma cavum
How big is Amphelasma cavum?
5.5 mm (Schaeffer, 1905)
Where is Amphelasma cavum found?
Range: so. AZ / Mex. (Pena Blanca area, per E.G. Riley)
What does Amphelasma cavum eat?
The diet of the Amphelasma cavum includes asso. w/ Salvia in Mexico Note, Eben was referencing a Ward et al. record which actually referred to Amphelasma sp. in Mexico w/o specifying the species involved... ; (also Barber described the genus, but Say described cava .).