Anacua Tortoise Beetle
Coptocycla texana
This record describes Coptocycla texana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Fairly common in southmost Texas, the damage they leave behind (leaf holes) can be ubiquitous (MAQ, pers. obs.)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Cassidini
- Genus
- Coptocycla
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c. TX to ne Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Year round ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Restricted to Anacua - Ehretia anacua (Boraginaceae) ( 4 )
Life History
larvae feed communally on the underside of the leaves. The larvae carry their frass:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Common name refers to its host.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coptocycla 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 Anacua Tortoise Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Anacua Tortoise Beetle
What is Anacua Tortoise Beetle?
Anacua Tortoise Beetle (Coptocycla texana) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Anacua Tortoise Beetle found?
Range: c. TX to ne Mex. - Map
What does Anacua Tortoise Beetle eat?
The diet of the Anacua Tortoise Beetle includes Restricted to Anacua - Ehretia anacua (Boraginaceae) ( 4 ).
When is Anacua Tortoise Beetle active?
Anacua Tortoise Beetle: seasonal activity - Year round ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Anacua Tortoise Beetle?
larvae feed communally on the underside of the leaves. The larvae carry their frass: