ColeopteraChrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles

Dysphenges penrosei

This record describes Dysphenges penrosei (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Dysphenges penrosei - Dysphenges penrosei
Contributed by Kyle Schnepp; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

PARATYPE Type Locality: ARIZONA: Cochise Co.: Sunnyside Cyn., VII-9-86, A. J. Gilbert.

Identification notes

PARATYPE

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Chrysomeloidea
Family
Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
Subfamily
Galerucinae
Tribe
Alticini
Genus
Dysphenges

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

se AZ (Cochise, Pima, Pinal and Santa Cruz Counties)

Diet and Behavior

Diet: most specimens taken on a low-growing species of Mimosa (Fabaceae)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Dysphenges penrosei Gilbert & Riley 2012

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dysphenges penrosei. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Dysphenges penrosei (5)

Dysphenges penrosei - photo 1
Contributed by Kyle Schnepp; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Dysphenges penrosei - photo 2
Contributed by Kyle Schnepp; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Dysphenges penrosei - photo 3
Contributed by Kyle Schnepp; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Dysphenges penrosei - photo 4
Contributed by Kyle Schnepp; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Dysphenges penrosei - photo 5
Contributed by Kyle Schnepp; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Kyle Schnepp; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Dysphenges penrosei

What is Dysphenges penrosei?

Dysphenges penrosei is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Dysphenges penrosei?

Length 2.05–2.85 mm

How do you identify Dysphenges penrosei?

PARATYPE

Where is Dysphenges penrosei found?

Range: se AZ (Cochise, Pima, Pinal and Santa Cruz Counties)

What does Dysphenges penrosei eat?

The diet of the Dysphenges penrosei includes most specimens taken on a low-growing species of Mimosa (Fabaceae).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Kyle Schnepp; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.