Epitrix brevis
This record describes Epitrix brevis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body dark testaceous to piceous; antebasal impression of pronotum absent to weak; pronotal punctures separated by their diameter, small; one row of setae between elytral striae; 11 striae on elytra. Det. A. M. Deczynski, 2012 Type series: Ft. Capron and Enterprise, FL, seven specimens
Wikipedia reference for Epitrix brevis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epitrix brevis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Epitrix (Nightshade Flea Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.US (s.ON‒FL to IA‒c.TX) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ Solanaceae, recorded from Capsicum frutescens, Datura stramonium, Lycopersicon esculentum, Physalis alkekengi, Physalis longifolia, P. pubescens, Solanum americanum, S. dulcamara, S. melongena, and S. tuberosum ( 4 )
Life History
Hibernates as an adult in deep forest soil, migrates to forest edge or fields during the summer (Jones 1946).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epitrix brevis Schwarz 1878
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epitrix brevis. 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 Epitrix brevis (9)
Photo credits: (c) Tom Murray, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Tom Murray | (c) Victor Engel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Victor Engel | (c) Joshua Ebright, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Joshua Ebright | no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh | (c) Robert Webster, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Robert Webster | (c) Colin Purrington, all rights reserved, uploaded by Colin Purrington | (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz | Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Ted Kropiewnicki , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Epitrix brevis
What is Epitrix brevis?
Epitrix brevis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epitrix brevis?
1.31-1.63 mm
How do you identify Epitrix brevis?
Body dark testaceous to piceous; antebasal impression of pronotum absent to weak; pronotal punctures separated by their diameter, small; one row of setae between elytral striae; 11 striae on elytra. Det. A. M. Deczynski, 2012
Where is Epitrix brevis found?
Range: e.US (s.ON‒FL to IA‒c.TX) - Map
What does Epitrix brevis eat?
The diet of the Epitrix brevis includes asso. w/ Solanaceae, recorded from Capsicum frutescens, Datura stramonium, Lycopersicon esculentum, Physalis alkekengi, Physalis longifolia, P. pubescens, Solanum americanum, S. dulcamara, S. melongena, and S. tuberosum ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Epitrix brevis?
Hibernates as an adult in deep forest soil, migrates to forest edge or fields during the summer (Jones 1946).