Glyptina texana
This record describes Glyptina texana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
locally common south of the Houston TX area on Euphorbia bicolor per E.G. Riley
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Glyptina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Great Plains (SD-CO-MO-TX) - Map , most records from KS-TX (BD data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: snow on the prairie ( Euphorbia bicolor ), snow on the mountain ( E. marginata , Euphorbiaceae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Glyptina texana. 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 Glyptina texana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Glyptina texana
What is Glyptina texana?
Glyptina texana is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Glyptina texana found?
Range: Great Plains (SD-CO-MO-TX) - Map , most records from KS-TX (BD data)
What does Glyptina texana eat?
The diet of the Glyptina texana includes snow on the prairie ( Euphorbia bicolor ), snow on the mountain ( E. marginata , Euphorbiaceae).