Glyptoscelis albicans
This record describes Glyptoscelis albicans (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The reddish-brown color and coarse white hairs distinguish this from other eastern species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Eumolpini
- Genus
- Glyptoscelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
mostly Great Plains (TX-LA-IN-IL, also AL-FL panhandle & MD) - Map , most records e. TX to e. OK (nr. E.G. Riley)
Seasonal Activity
Mar-May ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: occurs on several woody plants, without a particular preference ( 5 ) , however, a large number of adults were collected from water oak ( Quercus nigra , Fagaceae) in e. Texas ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Glyptoscelis albicans Baly 1865
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Glyptoscelis albicans. 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 Glyptoscelis albicans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Glyptoscelis albicans
What is Glyptoscelis albicans?
Glyptoscelis albicans is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Glyptoscelis albicans?
8-10.5 mm
How do you identify Glyptoscelis albicans?
The reddish-brown color and coarse white hairs distinguish this from other eastern species.
Where is Glyptoscelis albicans found?
Range: mostly Great Plains (TX-LA-IN-IL, also AL-FL panhandle & MD) - Map , most records e. TX to e. OK (nr. E.G. Riley)
What does Glyptoscelis albicans eat?
The diet of the Glyptoscelis albicans includes occurs on several woody plants, without a particular preference ( 5 ) , however, a large number of adults were collected from water oak ( Quercus nigra , Fagaceae) in e. Texas ( 6 ).
When is Glyptoscelis albicans active?
Glyptoscelis albicans: seasonal activity - Mar-May ( 4 ).