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

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.
Photos of Dysphenges penrosei (5)
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).
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