Baliosus randia
This record describes Baliosus randia (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
HOLOTYPE Texas considers this a SGCN
Identification notes
HOLOTYPE
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Chalepini
- Genus
- Baliosus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
clay hills east of Brownsville, Texas, and in the Sabal Palm Sanctuary, a remnant of southern Texas palm forest.
Geographic Range
southmost TX (nr. Brownsville, Cameron Co.)
Seasonal Activity
known from 48 spmns coll'ed Mar-May, Oct.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: coll'ed on crucillo ( Randia rhagocarpa , Rubiaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Baliosus randia Riley 2015
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Baliosus randia. 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 Baliosus randia (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Baliosus randia
What is Baliosus randia?
Baliosus randia is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Baliosus randia?
length 2.9–3.4 mm (mean = 3.1 mm, n = 13)
How do you identify Baliosus randia?
HOLOTYPE
Where is Baliosus randia found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | clay hills east of Brownsville, Texas, and in the Sabal Palm Sanctuary, a remnant of southern Texas palm forest. |
| Range | southmost TX (nr. Brownsville, Cameron Co.) |
What does Baliosus randia eat?
The diet of the Baliosus randia includes coll'ed on crucillo ( Randia rhagocarpa , Rubiaceae).
When is Baliosus randia active?
Baliosus randia: seasonal activity - known from 48 spmns coll'ed Mar-May, Oct..