Eupompha elegans
This record describes Eupompha elegans (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black head & thorax; elytra may be variably marked with black and orange, some dark blue populations. (Evans & Hogue, description and photo )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Tribe
- Eupomphini
- Genus
- Eupompha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
so. CA-AZ, NV - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Aug in CA (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adult blister beetles, if they feed at all, are strictly plant feeders, consuming leaves and flowers. This species, though recorded feeding on eight plant families, mostly feed on members of the Sunflower family ( Asteraceae ).
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eupompha elegans. 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 Eupompha elegans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch
Frequently Asked Questions About Eupompha elegans
What is Eupompha elegans?
Eupompha elegans is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eupompha elegans?
7 - 13 mm
How do you identify Eupompha elegans?
Black head & thorax; elytra may be variably marked with black and orange, some dark blue populations. (Evans & Hogue, description and photo )
Where is Eupompha elegans found?
Range: so. CA-AZ, NV - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Eupompha elegans eat?
The diet of the Eupompha elegans includes Adult blister beetles, if they feed at all, are strictly plant feeders, consuming leaves and flowers. This species, though recorded feeding on eight plant families, mostly feed on members of the Sunflower family ( Asteraceae )..
When is Eupompha elegans active?
Eupompha elegans: seasonal activity - Feb-Aug in CA (BG data).