Chariessa texana
This record describes Chariessa texana (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum without two discal black lines, pronotal disc mostly red, with transverse black spot at anterior margin Type locality: Texas, Nolan County, Sweetwater (FMNH).
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
w., c. & n. TX, + one spmn from OK panhandle - Map , mostly Dallas to San Antonio and a bit to the west
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Specimens have emerged from a dead trunk of sugarberry ( Celtis laevigata , (Cannabaceae), from wood of the Oklahoma redbud ( Cercis reniformi , Fabaceae) infested with Crysobothris analis LeConte (Buprestidae), and from wood of the Texas cedar elm ( Ulmus crassifolia , Ulmaceae). These beetles were also captured on the persimmon ( Diospyros texana , Ebenaceae) and on a willow species ( Salix , Salicaceae). They are attracted to light.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chariessa texana Wolcott, 1908
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chariessa texana. 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 texana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chariessa texana
What is Chariessa texana?
Chariessa texana is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chariessa texana?
Length 6.0-17.0 mm (quite the range!)
How do you identify Chariessa texana?
Pronotum without two discal black lines, pronotal disc mostly red, with transverse black spot at anterior margin
Where is Chariessa texana found?
Range: w., c. & n. TX, + one spmn from OK panhandle - Map , mostly Dallas to San Antonio and a bit to the west
What is the life cycle of a Chariessa texana?
Specimens have emerged from a dead trunk of sugarberry ( Celtis laevigata , (Cannabaceae), from wood of the Oklahoma redbud ( Cercis reniformi , Fabaceae) infested with Crysobothris analis LeConte (Buprestidae), and from wood of the Texas cedar elm ( Ulmus crassifolia , Ulmaceae). These beetles were also captured on the persimmon ( Diospyros texana , Ebenaceae) and on a willow species ( Salix , Salicaceae). They are attracted to light.