Capraita obsidiana
This record describes Capraita obsidiana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Typical colour form brown, with only pronotal side margin and elytral apex yellowish. The extreme pale form (var. flava ) has dark colour reduced to two bands on pronotum, and a variable pattern of up to three fasciae on elytra (close to C. scalaris , but last fascia more apically than in the latter).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Capraita
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-NJ-IL) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Ilex spp. (Aquifoliaceae) are apparently its preferred hosts ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Capraita obsidiana. 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 Capraita obsidiana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Capraita obsidiana
What is Capraita obsidiana?
Capraita obsidiana is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Capraita obsidiana?
Typical colour form brown, with only pronotal side margin and elytral apex yellowish. The extreme pale form (var. flava ) has dark colour reduced to two bands on pronotum, and a variable pattern of up to three fasciae on elytra (close to C. scalaris , but last fascia more apically than in the latter).
Where is Capraita obsidiana found?
Range: e US (TX-FL-NJ-IL) - Map
What does Capraita obsidiana eat?
The diet of the Capraita obsidiana includes Ilex spp. (Aquifoliaceae) are apparently its preferred hosts ( 3 ).