Coscinoptera aeneipennis
This record describes Coscinoptera aeneipennis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
easily recognized by its brassy appearance , with the head, thorax, scutellum, and under side pubescent. Elytra with coarse punctures arranged in rather regular striae (emphasis added), but confused near the scutellum. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017 Type Locality: Llano Estacado, Texas, Capt. Pope.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Clytrini
- Genus
- Coscinoptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (s.CA-c.TX-AR-CO) / c. Mex. - Map , particularly common in s. Calif.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ Acacia & Prosopis (Fabaceae), and common on buckwheat flwrs ( Eriogonum spp., particularly California buckwheat ( Eriogonum fasciculatum , Polygonaceae) ( 6 ) ( 7 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: aeneipennis (L). 'bronze-winged'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coscinoptera aeneipennis. 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 Coscinoptera aeneipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Coscinoptera aeneipennis
What is Coscinoptera aeneipennis?
Coscinoptera aeneipennis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Coscinoptera aeneipennis?
easily recognized by its brassy appearance , with the head, thorax, scutellum, and under side pubescent. Elytra with coarse punctures arranged in rather regular striae (emphasis added), but confused near the scutellum. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017
Where is Coscinoptera aeneipennis found?
Range: sw US (s.CA-c.TX-AR-CO) / c. Mex. - Map , particularly common in s. Calif.
What does Coscinoptera aeneipennis eat?
The diet of the Coscinoptera aeneipennis includes asso. w/ Acacia & Prosopis (Fabaceae), and common on buckwheat flwrs ( Eriogonum spp., particularly California buckwheat ( Eriogonum fasciculatum , Polygonaceae) ( 6 ) ( 7 ).