Exochomus metallicus
This record describes Exochomus metallicus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
introduced from Eritrea in 1954 for control of the citricola and black scales; found in infestations of the Planococcus citri (Citrus Mealybug) on host plants other than citrus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chilocorinae
- Genus
- Exochomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to e. Africa, introduced and established in so. CA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Exochomus metallicus Korschefsky 1935
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Exochomus metallicus. 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 Exochomus metallicus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset