Chlamisus maculipes
This record describes Chlamisus maculipes (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is the most distinctive of the Chlamisini found in America north of Mexico. The head, antennae, and most of the ventral surfaces and legs are bright orange. This species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism of a type which is not seen in other North American Chlamisini. The males have distinctly longer antennae than females, and the male prosternum is densely clothed with long pale hairs whereas that of the female is clothed with a few short inconspicuous hairs. (Riley & King, 2009) Chlamys maculipes, Chev.- One specimen taken on Malvaviscus drummondii in palmetto thicket at Santo Tomas, June 7th. Taken also by Schwarz at Santo Tomas in June. Distr. This is a tropical species, new to the United States fauna. It ranges from Tropical Mexico to Nicaragua, extending to the Lower Rio Grande. (Townsend 1902) Texas considers this a SGCN ( 5 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Fulcidacini
- Genus
- Chlamisus (Cloaked Warty Leaf Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.), south to C. Amer. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, July.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The few specimens I collected were from in the interior of the palm grove at the Sabal Palm Grove Preserve and were taken by random sweeping without any particular plant association (E. G. Riley, pers. obser.)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: maculipes (L). 'spot-footed'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chlamisus maculipes. 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 Chlamisus maculipes (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chlamisus maculipes
What is Chlamisus maculipes?
Chlamisus maculipes is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chlamisus maculipes?
Body length 3.6 to 6.0 mm, large for a chlamisine. ( 3 )
How do you identify Chlamisus maculipes?
This species is the most distinctive of the Chlamisini found in America north of Mexico. The head, antennae, and most of the ventral surfaces and legs are bright orange. This species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism of a type which is not seen in other North American Chlamisini. The males have distinctly longer antennae than females, and the male prosternum is densely clothed with long pale hairs whereas that of the female is clothed with a few short inconspicuous hairs. (Riley & King, 2009)
Where is Chlamisus maculipes found?
Range: southmost TX (Cameron Co.), south to C. Amer. - Map
What does Chlamisus maculipes eat?
The diet of the Chlamisus maculipes includes The few specimens I collected were from in the interior of the palm grove at the Sabal Palm Grove Preserve and were taken by random sweeping without any particular plant association (E. G. Riley, pers. obser.).
When is Chlamisus maculipes active?
Chlamisus maculipes: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, July..