Exema byersi
This record describes Exema byersi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Exema byersi can easily be distinguished by the yellow coloring on the face, which always includes the frons in the emargination of the eye, and many oval to elliptical punctures on the pronotum, especially on the anterior half. Type Locality: 8 miles north of Lawrence, Jefferson Co., Kansas, 27 May 1965
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Fulcidacini
- Genus
- Exema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (e.TX-FL-NY-KS), +AZ - Map
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts include Euthamia gymnospermoides, Echinacea angustifolia, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Apios americana, Asclepias tuberosa, Gutierrezia dracunculoides , Normal host plant is apparently E. gymnospermoides , and records of it being on G. dracunculoides perhaps being a misidentification of the former species.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym acknowledges Dr. George W. Byers, Department of Entomology, The University of Kansas, under whose direction Karren's study was made.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Exema byersi. 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 Exema byersi (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Exema byersi
What is Exema byersi?
Exema byersi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Exema byersi?
Length 2.6 mm
How do you identify Exema byersi?
Exema byersi can easily be distinguished by the yellow coloring on the face, which always includes the frons in the emargination of the eye, and many oval to elliptical punctures on the pronotum, especially on the anterior half.
Where is Exema byersi found?
Range: e. US (e.TX-FL-NY-KS), +AZ - Map
What does Exema byersi eat?
The diet of the Exema byersi includes Hosts include Euthamia gymnospermoides, Echinacea angustifolia, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Apios americana, Asclepias tuberosa, Gutierrezia dracunculoides , Normal host plant is apparently E. gymnospermoides , and records of it being on G. dracunculoides perhaps being a misidentification of the former species..
When is Exema byersi active?
Exema byersi: seasonal activity - Mar-Oct.