Chemsakiella ricei
This record describes Chemsakiella ricei (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dark metallic greenish, appendages black; pubescence whitish, dense, subdepressed and erect. PARATYPE Type Series: White River Lake, Crosby Co., Texas, 19 September 1980, on Heterotheca (M. E. Rice). Sixteen paratypes (10 males, 6 females), same locality, 17 September 1980 (M. Dicetto), 6 October 1980 (Rice), 12 October 1980 (Rice), 2-3 October 1982 (Rice, E. G. Riley, R. Turnbow). One male paratype from 4 mi E Loco Hills, Otero Co., New Mexico, 4 October 1970 (O’Brien, Richardson).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Trachyderini
- Genus
- Chemsakiella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NM to w. TX / Mex. (N.L.) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Featherplume - Dalea formosa (Fabaceae) ( 5 )
Life History
"In early October, adults were found during the morning hours resting on the distal ends of blooming D. formosa branches. Adults were found on plants on both the east and west sides of White River Lake near the dam area. Several plants were cut apart and larval tunnels were found in the crown and thicker stems near ground level. One larva was found which later emerged as an adult of this species." ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: named in honor of Marlin E. Rice for his aid and cooperation in the studies on Cerambycidae
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chemsakiella ricei. 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 Chemsakiella ricei (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemsakiella ricei
What is Chemsakiella ricei?
Chemsakiella ricei is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chemsakiella ricei?
11-15 mm
How do you identify Chemsakiella ricei?
dark metallic greenish, appendages black; pubescence whitish, dense, subdepressed and erect. PARATYPE
Where is Chemsakiella ricei found?
Range: NM to w. TX / Mex. (N.L.) - Map
What does Chemsakiella ricei eat?
The diet of the Chemsakiella ricei includes Featherplume - Dalea formosa (Fabaceae) ( 5 ).
What is the life cycle of a Chemsakiella ricei?
In early October, adults were found during the morning hours resting on the distal ends of blooming D. formosa branches. Adults were found on plants on both the east and west sides of White River Lake near the dam area. Several plants were cut apart and larval tunnels were found in the crown and thicker stems near ground level. One larva was found which later emerged as an adult of this species. ( 5 )