Chariessa floridana
This record describes Chariessa floridana (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotal discal black lines narrow and distal to each other, tuft of gold setae between black lines; known only from Key Largo most recent spmn coll'ed in 1979
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
endemic to Upper Key Largo, Monroe Co., FL
Diet and Behavior
Life History
spmns collected from poisonwood ( Metopium toxiferum Anacardiaceae) and on a rotten log of an undisclosed species of tree.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chariessa floridana Schaeffer, 1917
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chariessa floridana. 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 floridana (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chariessa floridana
What is Chariessa floridana?
Chariessa floridana is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chariessa floridana?
Length 11.0-15.0 mm
How do you identify Chariessa floridana?
Pronotal discal black lines narrow and distal to each other, tuft of gold setae between black lines; known only from Key Largo
Where is Chariessa floridana found?
Range: endemic to Upper Key Largo, Monroe Co., FL
What is the life cycle of a Chariessa floridana?
spmns collected from poisonwood ( Metopium toxiferum Anacardiaceae) and on a rotten log of an undisclosed species of tree.