Chalcodermus semicostatus
This record describes Chalcodermus semicostatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Brownsville, Texas (Esperanza Ranch) (Schaeffer 1904) Texas considers this a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Molytinae
- Tribe
- Sternechini
- Genus
- Chalcodermus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coll'ed from Texas ebony, Ebenopsis ebano
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Brownsville area) - Map
Seasonal Activity
March, May, June, July, October
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chalcodermus semicostatus Schaeffer 1904
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chalcodermus semicostatus. 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 Chalcodermus semicostatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chalcodermus semicostatus
What is Chalcodermus semicostatus?
Chalcodermus semicostatus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chalcodermus semicostatus?
3.5-4 mm (Schaeffer 1904)
Where is Chalcodermus semicostatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coll'ed from Texas ebony, Ebenopsis ebano |
| Range | southmost TX (Brownsville area) - Map |
When is Chalcodermus semicostatus active?
Chalcodermus semicostatus: seasonal activity - March, May, June, July, October.