Coleothorpa axillaris
This record describes Coleothorpa axillaris (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Clytrini
- Genus
- Coleothorpa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. US (CA-TX-SD-OR) / Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Polyphagous ( 3 )
Life History
Per Shawn M. Clark: "Cryptocephaline chrysomelids in general (including Coleothorpa ) lay their eggs in carefully sculpted packets formed from feces and abdominal secretions. If you look at the picture carefully, you will notice that the packet is attached to the substrate by a threadlike stalk."
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coleothorpa axillaris. 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 Coleothorpa axillaris (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleothorpa axillaris
How big is Coleothorpa axillaris?
~3 mm
Where is Coleothorpa axillaris found?
Range: w. US (CA-TX-SD-OR) / Mex. - Map
What does Coleothorpa axillaris eat?
The diet of the Coleothorpa axillaris includes Polyphagous ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Coleothorpa axillaris?
Per Shawn M. Clark: Cryptocephaline chrysomelids in general (including Coleothorpa ) lay their eggs in carefully sculpted packets formed from feces and abdominal secretions. If you look at the picture carefully, you will notice that the packet is attached to the substrate by a threadlike stalk.