Chlorixanthe propinqua
This record describes Chlorixanthe propinqua (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality of Synonym: Big Bend National Park, Brewster Co., TX, June 17, 1937, Rollin H. Baker (Cartwright, 1939); Chisos Mountains, BBNP, 4000' to 6400', on Opuntia and sotol: Panther Junction & Green Gulch, H. Howden (Howden, 1960); Pine Canyon, BBNP, 5000 - 6000', 05-10-59, W. Mason, det: H. Howden '62. (Van Pelt, 2002)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cetoniinae
- Tribe
- Cetoniini
- Genus
- Chlorixanthe
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
mostly Guadalupe, Davis, and Chisos Mtns. of w. TX
Geographic Range
sc. NM to c. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
May-July (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: most freq. observed in the fwrs of Opuntia (Cactaceae) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: propinqu (L). for 'near'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chlorixanthe propinqua. 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 Chlorixanthe propinqua (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen
Frequently Asked Questions About Chlorixanthe propinqua
What is Chlorixanthe propinqua?
Chlorixanthe propinqua is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Chlorixanthe propinqua found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mostly Guadalupe, Davis, and Chisos Mtns. of w. TX |
| Range | sc. NM to c. Mex. - Map |
What does Chlorixanthe propinqua eat?
The diet of the Chlorixanthe propinqua includes most freq. observed in the fwrs of Opuntia (Cactaceae) ( 5 ).
When is Chlorixanthe propinqua active?
Chlorixanthe propinqua: seasonal activity - May-July (BG data).