Glenidion flexicaulis
This record describes Glenidion flexicaulis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley 2009 Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas (Schaeffer 1905)
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley 2009
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Glenidion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.) / Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Texas Ebony - Ebenopsis ebano (Syn: Pithecellobium flexicaule ) Huisache - Acacia farnesiana (Syn: Acacia smallii ) - Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: In describing the species, Schaeffer (1905) wrote of the beetle that is was "beaten commonly from branches of Acacia flexicaulis ," a synonym for Texas Ebony.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Glenidion flexicaulis. 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 Glenidion flexicaulis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Glenidion flexicaulis
What is Glenidion flexicaulis?
Glenidion flexicaulis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Glenidion flexicaulis?
2.75-3.50 mm (Schaeffer 1905)
How do you identify Glenidion flexicaulis?
Det. E. G. Riley 2009
Where is Glenidion flexicaulis found?
Range: southmost TX (Cameron Co.) / Mex. - Map
What does Glenidion flexicaulis eat?
The diet of the Glenidion flexicaulis includes Texas Ebony - Ebenopsis ebano (Syn: Pithecellobium flexicaule ) Huisache - Acacia farnesiana (Syn: Acacia smallii ) - Fabaceae (Pea Family).