Brucita marmorata
This record describes Brucita marmorata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a highly distinctive chrysomelid not likely to be confused with other Lower Rio Grande Valley species. ( 3 ) Texas considers this a SGCN ( 5 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Brucita
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Palm forests of southmost TX (Cameron Co.) to Guatemala - Map , plus historical record from Edinburg, Hidalgo Co.
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Townsend (1902) reported this as commonly on Texas Palm ( Sabal mexicana , Arecaceae), "Two specimens beaten from palmetto leaves in palmetto jungle at Santo Tomas [=Sabal Palm Sanctuary] February 26th and numbers beaten from same leaves at same place June 7th." But E.G. Riley (pers. comm., MAQ, 2023) assures me that the true host is actually anacua ( Ehretia anacua , Boraginaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: marmor (L). 'marbled'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brucita marmorata. 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 Brucita marmorata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Brucita marmorata
What is Brucita marmorata?
Brucita marmorata is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Brucita marmorata?
This is a highly distinctive chrysomelid not likely to be confused with other Lower Rio Grande Valley species. ( 3 )
Where is Brucita marmorata found?
Range: Palm forests of southmost TX (Cameron Co.) to Guatemala - Map , plus historical record from Edinburg, Hidalgo Co.
What does Brucita marmorata eat?
The diet of the Brucita marmorata includes Townsend (1902) reported this as commonly on Texas Palm ( Sabal mexicana , Arecaceae), Two specimens beaten from palmetto leaves in palmetto jungle at Santo Tomas [=Sabal Palm Sanctuary] February 26th and numbers beaten from same leaves at same place June 7th. But E.G. Riley (pers. comm., MAQ, 2023) assures me that the true host is actually anacua ( Ehretia anacua , Boraginaceae).
When is Brucita marmorata active?
Brucita marmorata: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October..