Chariessa catalina
This record describes Chariessa catalina (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Forebody, venter, forebody and venter pubescence, pale sanguineous; elytra more black than blue (USA) ...... Chariessa elegans Horn Forebody, venter, forebody and venter pubescence, crimson; elytra more blue than black (USA, Mexico) ..... Chariessa catalina Opitz, new species Type locality: Arizona, Catalina Mts., Redington Pass, Dec. 7, 1969 (collector not noted) (FSCA)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Peloniinae
- Genus
- Chariessa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Range: CA-TX, UT / n. Mex.
Seasonal Activity
mostly during March
Diet and Behavior
Life History
pair, along with dozens of others, on an oak that had been struck by lightning in Texas:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chariessa catalina Opitz, 2017
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chariessa catalina. 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 Chariessa catalina (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chariessa catalina
What is Chariessa catalina?
Chariessa catalina is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chariessa catalina?
Length 7.5-14.0 mm
How do you identify Chariessa catalina?
Forebody, venter, forebody and venter pubescence, pale sanguineous; elytra more black than blue (USA) ...... Chariessa elegans Horn Forebody, venter, forebody and venter pubescence, crimson; elytra more blue than black (USA, Mexico) ..... Chariessa catalina Opitz, new species
Where is Chariessa catalina found?
Range: Range: CA-TX, UT / n. Mex.
When is Chariessa catalina active?
Chariessa catalina: seasonal activity - mostly during March.
What is the life cycle of a Chariessa catalina?
pair, along with dozens of others, on an oak that had been struck by lightning in Texas: