Colaspis cruriflava
This record describes Colaspis cruriflava (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Per Blake: This species is somewhat paler green than the rest and the only one of the group with yellow legs . It is the smallest one of the favosa group. There is a peculiar depression on each side of the prothorax not found in the others (emphasis added), and the aedeagus is quite different from the others. In fact, it hardly fits into the group. Type Locality: Canelo, Santa Cruz Co., Arizona, G. D. Butler, Aug. 3, 1956.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Eumolpini
- Genus
- Colaspis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se AZ - Map ,
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Colaspis cruriflava Blake, 1977
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Colaspis cruriflava. 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 Colaspis cruriflava (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Colaspis cruriflava
What is Colaspis cruriflava?
Colaspis cruriflava is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Colaspis cruriflava?
4-4.5 mm
How do you identify Colaspis cruriflava?
Per Blake: This species is somewhat paler green than the rest and the only one of the group with yellow legs . It is the smallest one of the favosa group. There is a peculiar depression on each side of the prothorax not found in the others (emphasis added), and the aedeagus is quite different from the others. In fact, it hardly fits into the group.
Where is Colaspis cruriflava found?
Range: se AZ - Map ,