Dysphenges rileyi
This record describes Dysphenges rileyi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
PARATYPE: only one U.S. spmn (and two from Mexico) in the University of Arizona Insect Collection (Gene Hall, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2016)
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
AZ / Mex.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Mimosa spp. (Fabaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dysphenges rileyi Gilbert & Andrews 2002 patronym for Edward G. Riley , former Asso. Curator, TAMUIC
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dysphenges rileyi. 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 rileyi (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Dysphenges rileyi
What is Dysphenges rileyi?
Dysphenges rileyi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Dysphenges rileyi?
PARATYPE:
Where is Dysphenges rileyi found?
Range: AZ / Mex.
What does Dysphenges rileyi eat?
The diet of the Dysphenges rileyi includes Mimosa spp. (Fabaceae).