Disonycha stenosticha
This record describes Disonycha stenosticha (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Texas considers this sp. a SGCN ( 6 ) Type Locality: Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas on January 17, 1923. (Schaeffer 1931)
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Disonycha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
coastal s. TX (Cameron, Hidalgo, San Patricio and Calhoun counties) / ne Mex (Tamps, N.L., VC.). - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: January, April, May, June, October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: "We have collected adults of this species, and larvae presumably belonging to this species, from Passiflora filipes (Passifloraceae) in southern Texas." ( 5 ) "I've only found D. stenosticha on P. suberosa " and " P. suberosa is the plant that they performed best on" in limited laboratory food trials. (C.R. Morrison, 2019, pers. comm. to MAQ)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Disonycha stenosticha Schaeffer 1931
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Disonycha stenosticha. 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 Disonycha stenosticha (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Disonycha stenosticha
What is Disonycha stenosticha?
Disonycha stenosticha is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Disonycha stenosticha?
length 7.6-8.1 mm width 4.0-4.2 mm, widest across the apical third of the elytra. ( 3 )
How do you identify Disonycha stenosticha?
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Disonycha stenosticha found?
Range: coastal s. TX (Cameron, Hidalgo, San Patricio and Calhoun counties) / ne Mex (Tamps, N.L., VC.). - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Disonycha stenosticha eat?
The diet of the Disonycha stenosticha includes We have collected adults of this species, and larvae presumably belonging to this species, from Passiflora filipes (Passifloraceae) in southern Texas. ( 5 ) I've only found D. stenosticha on P. suberosa and P. suberosa is the plant that they performed best on in limited laboratory food trials. (C.R. Morrison, 2019, pers. comm. to MAQ).
When is Disonycha stenosticha active?
Disonycha stenosticha: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: January, April, May, June, October..