Chrysomela texana
This record describes Chrysomela texana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Head, pronotum, and legs entirely reddish-yellow or virtually so The head and prothorax is generally reddish with metallic tint and the elytra are usually as heavy or heavier marked than in typical scripta . Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Type series from Brownsville and New Braunfels, Texas.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Chrysomela
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c.KS to e.Mex. - Map , plus singleton records from CO, NM & AZ , most records from TX
Seasonal Activity
mostly: April-May ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Willows ( Salix nigra (Salicaceae), and S. exigua in so. TX) ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysomela texana (Schaeffer 1920)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chrysomela 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 Chrysomela texana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Ron M. , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysomela texana
What is Chrysomela texana?
Chrysomela texana is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Chrysomela texana?
Head, pronotum, and legs entirely reddish-yellow or virtually so The head and prothorax is generally reddish with metallic tint and the elytra are usually as heavy or heavier marked than in typical scripta . Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Chrysomela texana found?
Range: c.KS to e.Mex. - Map , plus singleton records from CO, NM & AZ , most records from TX
What does Chrysomela texana eat?
The diet of the Chrysomela texana includes Willows ( Salix nigra (Salicaceae), and S. exigua in so. TX) ( 6 ).
When is Chrysomela texana active?
Chrysomela texana: seasonal activity - mostly: April-May ( 5 ).