Euphoria basalis
This record describes Euphoria basalis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
difficult to confuse with any other sp. of Euphoria considered a pest of cotton, melon, pumpkin, and sunflower in Mex. I see it a few times a year heading our way as a truck hitchhiker from Mexico. (J. Leavengood, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2015) John works as a USDA inspector at one of the port-of-entries in so. TX...
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cetoniinae
- Tribe
- Cetoniini
- Genus
- Euphoria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
found in diverse habitats from sea level to 2,350 m elev.
Geographic Range
sw. TX to s. Mex. - Map , 5 known TX records, 3 from Eagle Pass, Maverick Co. and now 2(?) from Edinburg, Hidalgo Co. (BG data), most records from c. Mexico.
Seasonal Activity
mostly Jun-Nov (in Mex)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
adults found in the flwrs of var. of plant families
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Euphoria basalis. 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 Euphoria basalis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Euphoria basalis
What is Euphoria basalis?
Euphoria basalis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Euphoria basalis?
10.6-13.8
How do you identify Euphoria basalis?
difficult to confuse with any other sp. of Euphoria
Where is Euphoria basalis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | found in diverse habitats from sea level to 2,350 m elev. |
| Range | sw. TX to s. Mex. - Map , 5 known TX records, 3 from Eagle Pass, Maverick Co. and now 2(?) from Edinburg, Hidalgo Co. (BG data), most records from c. Mexico. |
When is Euphoria basalis active?
Euphoria basalis: seasonal activity - mostly Jun-Nov (in Mex).
What is the life cycle of a Euphoria basalis?
adults found in the flwrs of var. of plant families