Monahans Graphops
Graphops comosa
This record describes Graphops comosa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
It has the heaviest pubescence of any of the genus, the elytral punctation being entirely concealed by the coarse white hairs in unrubbed specimens so that the beetles present a grayish appearance not unlike Glyptoscelis . The bulging occiput that nearly conceals the eyes from above is another distinctive character. (Blake 1955) Type and paratype localities in the USNM (36 spmns):
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Typophorini
- Genus
- Graphops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sand Dunes
Geographic Range
se NM and the adjacent region of TX - Map (Blake 1955) ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
June-Aug (Blake 1955)(BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Onagraceae family ( 5 ) Gaura mollis [=Gaura parviflora] – velvetweed Calylophus hartwegii - Hartweg's sundrops Gaura villosa - woolly beeblossom
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Graphops comosa Blake 1955
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Graphops comosa. 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 Monahans Graphops (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Monahans Graphops
What is Monahans Graphops?
Monahans Graphops (Graphops comosa) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Monahans Graphops?
Length 4.5 to 5.5 mm (Blake 1955)
How do you identify Monahans Graphops?
It has the heaviest pubescence of any of the genus, the elytral punctation being entirely concealed by the coarse white hairs in unrubbed specimens so that the beetles present a grayish appearance not unlike Glyptoscelis . The bulging occiput that nearly conceals the eyes from above is another distinctive character. (Blake 1955)
Where is Monahans Graphops found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sand Dunes |
| Range | se NM and the adjacent region of TX - Map (Blake 1955) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) |
What does Monahans Graphops eat?
The diet of the Monahans Graphops includes Onagraceae family ( 5 ) Gaura mollis [=Gaura parviflora] – velvetweed Calylophus hartwegii - Hartweg's sundrops Gaura villosa - woolly beeblossom.
When is Monahans Graphops active?
Monahans Graphops: seasonal activity - June-Aug (Blake 1955)(BG data).