Calligrapha ancoralis
This record describes Calligrapha ancoralis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
In the typical pattern, the humeral moon-shaped macula is narrowly seperated from both the enclosed dark spot, and the subsutural band (on 2nd. interval). The rear end of dark 3rd. interval is bending outwards, turning forward and may almost reach the humeral moon, forming an anchor-like figure. This pattern can be broken into spots, however. A dark spot at about the middle of elytral side margin always present, as in the C.scalaris -group. In the latter, black on 3rd. interval is not notably extending outwards. Not listed in Riley et al. , nor in Clark et al. Historical US records first reported by Gómez-Zurita : FSCA: one specimen: USA, Arizona, Santa Rita Mts., Madera Cyn., 21.vii.1968; one specimen: USA, AZ, Santa Cruz, Pena Blanca Pajarito, 25.vii.1962, R.H. Arnett, Jr. & E. Van Kassell, Calligrapha ancoralis Stål J. Gómez-Zurita det. 2011 NMNH: one specimen: Nogales, Ariz. ix.25.1959, D.E. Noel, Calligrapha sp. det ’60 D.M. Weisman; one specimen: U.S.A. Texas, Lee Co., Fedor, F. Monrós Collection 1959, Calligrapha wickhami Bowditch, F. Monrós det. 1954, Calligrapha ancoralis Stål J. Gómez-Zurita det. 2011 Note, the Lee Co., Texas record is an extremely doubtful record. In addition, Gene Hall, University of Arizona Insect Collection Manager, reports (facebook, 2016) the following information from the UAIC: We have an old specimen of this species in the UAIC labeled Ariz. from the CW Leng Collection, but unfortunately with no collecting date. This minimally labeled spmn in the UAIC may be the source for Calligrapha ancoralis being included in The Leng Catalog here .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Calligrapha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. AZ / Mexico, S to Veracruz and southern tip of Baja California. One old TX record to be considered doubtful
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Unknown. Several Mex. collections made on Tillandsia sp. (Bromeliaceae), but this is very unlikely a host, rather a good hideaway for summer diapause.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Calligrapha ancoralis Stål, 1860
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calligrapha ancoralis. 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 Calligrapha ancoralis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Calligrapha ancoralis
What is Calligrapha ancoralis?
Calligrapha ancoralis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Calligrapha ancoralis?
9.5 mm
How do you identify Calligrapha ancoralis?
In the typical pattern, the humeral moon-shaped macula is narrowly seperated from both the enclosed dark spot, and the subsutural band (on 2nd. interval). The rear end of dark 3rd. interval is bending outwards, turning forward and may almost reach the humeral moon, forming an anchor-like figure. This pattern can be broken into spots, however. A dark spot at about the middle of elytral side margin always present, as in the C.scalaris -group. In the latter, black on 3rd. interval is not notably extending outwards.
Where is Calligrapha ancoralis found?
Range: s. AZ / Mexico, S to Veracruz and southern tip of Baja California. One old TX record to be considered doubtful
What does Calligrapha ancoralis eat?
The diet of the Calligrapha ancoralis includes Unknown. Several Mex. collections made on Tillandsia sp. (Bromeliaceae), but this is very unlikely a host, rather a good hideaway for summer diapause..