Merkel Buprestid
Chrysobothris merkelii
This record describes Chrysobothris merkelii (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Buprestinae
- Tribe
- Chrysobothrini
- Genus
- Chrysobothris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. US (CA-NV-TX) & Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in Acacia, Albizia, Prosopis , adults on a variety of hardwoods
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysobothris merkelii Horn 1886
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chrysobothris merkelii. 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 Merkel Buprestid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Merkel Buprestid
How big is Merkel Buprestid?
15.0-19.5 mm
Where is Merkel Buprestid found?
Range: sw. US (CA-NV-TX) & Mexico
What does Merkel Buprestid eat?
The diet of the Merkel Buprestid includes Larvae in Acacia, Albizia, Prosopis , adults on a variety of hardwoods.