Epitrix rileyi 0
Epitrix rileyi
This record describes Epitrix rileyi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body dark rufous to testaceous, pronotum often with patches of lighter rufous Pronotal punctures separated by their diameter or more; pronotum often tinged with dark red collected in three large series from expeditions on the Emory Peak Trail (middle), Laguna Meadow Trail (lower), and Pinnacles Trail (upper) in Big Bend National Park by Ed Riley
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
w. TX (Known only from Big Bend National Park, Brewster Co.)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Observed Host Plants: Fendler's Groundcherry ( Physalis hederifolia , Solanaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epitrix rileyi Deczynski sp. nov.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epitrix 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Epitrix rileyi 0
What is Epitrix rileyi 0?
Epitrix rileyi 0 (Epitrix rileyi) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Epitrix rileyi 0?
1.68-2.04 mm
How do you identify Epitrix rileyi 0?
Body dark rufous to testaceous, pronotum often with patches of lighter rufous Pronotal punctures separated by their diameter or more; pronotum often tinged with dark red
Where is Epitrix rileyi 0 found?
Range: w. TX (Known only from Big Bend National Park, Brewster Co.)
What does Epitrix rileyi 0 eat?
The diet of the Epitrix rileyi 0 includes Observed Host Plants: Fendler's Groundcherry ( Physalis hederifolia , Solanaceae).