Exochomus townsendi
This record describes Exochomus townsendi (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
In addition to the comments under E. aethiops, E. townsendi differs from that species in having the epipleuron less strongly descending, lateral margin of elytron less strongly explanate, and the sides of the pronotum and elytra appear continuous in dorsal view, discontinuous in E. aethiops . Type locality: Meadow Valley (6 miles south of Colonia Garcia) Chihuahua, Mexico (Sierra Madre Mts. 7300')
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
Colorado (Buena Vista; Estes Park; Garland; Gunnison) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Exochomus townsendi Casey, 1908
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Exochomus townsendi. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exochomus townsendi
What is Exochomus townsendi?
Exochomus townsendi is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Exochomus townsendi?
Length 2.8 to 3.3 mm
How do you identify Exochomus townsendi?
In addition to the comments under E. aethiops, E. townsendi differs from that species in having the epipleuron less strongly descending, lateral margin of elytron less strongly explanate, and the sides of the pronotum and elytra appear continuous in dorsal view, discontinuous in E. aethiops .
Where is Exochomus townsendi found?
Range: Colorado (Buena Vista; Estes Park; Garland; Gunnison) - Map