Chariessa elegans
This record describes Chariessa elegans (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum unicolorous, reddish; legs mostly reddish, tarsi black pair, along with dozens of others, on an oak that had been struck by lightning in Texas:
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
BC, CA & UT to c. TX - Map (GBIF)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chariessa elegans Horn 1870
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chariessa elegans. 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 elegans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chariessa elegans
What is Chariessa elegans?
Chariessa elegans is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chariessa elegans?
Length 7.0-13.0 mm
How do you identify Chariessa elegans?
Pronotum unicolorous, reddish; legs mostly reddish, tarsi black
Where is Chariessa elegans found?
Range: BC, CA & UT to c. TX - Map (GBIF)