Griburius equestris
This record describes Griburius equestris (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Our basis for assigning Olivier's name is the dorsal color pattern and the color of the abdomen. His illustration depicts a yellow Griburius beetle with two round, black maculae on each elytron, the anterior-most being isolated and well-separated from the anterior elytral margin. The abdomen is described as black with the sides marked with yellow and with a black median spot. We interpret the latter as a black pygidial spot. After study of Olivier's original description and figure, we believe Cryptocephalus equestris Olivier, 1808 is correctly applied to an uncommon and little-known Griburius species of the southeastern United States and Texas.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Cryptocephalini
- Genus
- Griburius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.TX-c.FL-s.GA - Map , + NC (BG data), rare out side of Florida
Seasonal Activity
Mar-July ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: recorded from Quercus virginiana , Quercus laevis . Also reared from case-bearing larvae collected from lichens on oak in Florida.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Griburius equestris. 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 Griburius equestris (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Griburius equestris
What is Griburius equestris?
Griburius equestris is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Griburius equestris?
3 mm
How do you identify Griburius equestris?
Our basis for assigning Olivier's name is the dorsal color pattern and the color of the abdomen. His illustration depicts a yellow Griburius beetle with two round, black maculae on each elytron, the anterior-most being isolated and well-separated from the anterior elytral margin. The abdomen is described as black with the sides marked with yellow and with a black median spot. We interpret the latter as a black pygidial spot.
Where is Griburius equestris found?
Range: e.TX-c.FL-s.GA - Map , + NC (BG data), rare out side of Florida
What does Griburius equestris eat?
The diet of the Griburius equestris includes recorded from Quercus virginiana , Quercus laevis . Also reared from case-bearing larvae collected from lichens on oak in Florida..
When is Griburius equestris active?
Griburius equestris: seasonal activity - Mar-July ( 3 ).