Coleothorpa dominicana
This record describes Coleothorpa dominicana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum and under surfaces with conspicuous white pubescence. Mandibles of males notably enlarged. The more western populations have the elytra conspicuously hairy, whereas in the more eastern populations the elytra are largely glabrous.
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
Rocky Mts, east (AZ-FL-ON-NT) - Map , mostly e. US to AZ C. d. dominicana more eastern, C. d. franciscana more western, but largely sympatric
Diet and Behavior
Diet: polyphagous ( 4 )
Life History
larvae have sometimes been found in asso. w/ ants ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: apparently named after two major monastic orders, perhaps in reference to the hooded habit
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coleothorpa dominicana. 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 dominicana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleothorpa dominicana
What is Coleothorpa dominicana?
Coleothorpa dominicana is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Coleothorpa dominicana?
3.5-4 mm
How do you identify Coleothorpa dominicana?
Pronotum and under surfaces with conspicuous white pubescence. Mandibles of males notably enlarged. The more western populations have the elytra conspicuously hairy, whereas in the more eastern populations the elytra are largely glabrous.
Where is Coleothorpa dominicana found?
Range: Rocky Mts, east (AZ-FL-ON-NT) - Map , mostly e. US to AZ C. d. dominicana more eastern, C. d. franciscana more western, but largely sympatric
What does Coleothorpa dominicana eat?
The diet of the Coleothorpa dominicana includes polyphagous ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Coleothorpa dominicana?
larvae have sometimes been found in asso. w/ ants ( 4 )