Eupompha wenzeli
This record describes Eupompha wenzeli (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Head, thorax, and legs red; elytra metallic green or blue, elytra with a scintillating appearance Dets. F. Werner, 1976 rare in collections, Pinto made repeated attempts to discover E. wenzeli in the field from 1971-78 and was finally successful in 1979 when a population of 2-300 adults were located in Yuma Co., AZ, 3 mi E. Wenden on 30 August. They were feeding on a patch of Arizona poppy ( Kallstroemia grandiflora , Zygophyllaceae) flowers. Type Locality: Numerous specimens taken at Florence, Pinal Co., Ariz., August 10, 1903, by C.R. Biederman.
Identification notes
Head, thorax, and legs red; elytra metallic green or blue, elytra with a scintillating appearance ( 4 ) Dets. F. Werner, 1976
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
Habitat
known from several locales in the Sonoran Desert ( 6 )
Geographic Range
AZ - Map ( 3 ) ( 5 )
Seasonal Activity
Aug-Sept
Diet and Behavior
Life History
common on Desert Poppy ( Kallstroemia grandiflora , Zygophyllaceae) ( 7 ) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: named for that unsurpassed collector and master of technic Mr. H.W. Wenzel
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Eupompha wenzeli. 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 wenzeli (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Eupompha wenzeli
What is Eupompha wenzeli?
Eupompha wenzeli is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eupompha wenzeli?
5-10 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Eupompha wenzeli?
Head, thorax, and legs red; elytra metallic green or blue, elytra with a scintillating appearance ( 4 ) Dets. F. Werner, 1976
Where is Eupompha wenzeli found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | known from several locales in the Sonoran Desert ( 6 ) |
| Range | AZ - Map ( 3 ) ( 5 ) |
When is Eupompha wenzeli active?
Eupompha wenzeli: seasonal activity - Aug-Sept.
What is the life cycle of a Eupompha wenzeli?
common on Desert Poppy ( Kallstroemia grandiflora , Zygophyllaceae) ( 7 ) ( 3 )