Griburius montezuma
This record describes Griburius montezuma (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dets. E.G. Riley: There exists a color form of this species where the ivory-white elytral markings are absent or nearly so, being reduced to a very narrow strip along the lower anterior portion of the elytral margin. From above, the elytra of these specimens appear to be entirely black. This dark form also has the pronotum almost entirely red, whereas the normal form has a large part of the anterior pronotal disc black and the extreme anterior edge creamy white. The dark form is found in the eastern-most part of the species' range (from eastern Texas to Missouri and Florida). This color form and its eastern occurrence, neither formerly recorded in the literature, have resulted in the previous misidentification of this species.
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
se US to AZ-UT (AZ-FL-MD-UT) / Mex. - Map , most records from AZ Eastern/dark form: TX-FL-MD-MO. Western/pale form: AZ-TX-KS-UT / Mex.
Seasonal Activity
End of March to late August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: "There were many of these on flowering mesquites." (BG data) ( 4 )
Life History
Reared from larva taken in pack rat ( Neotoma ) nest. Similarly, some workers have suspected that these insects feed on feces and debris in caves inhabited by buzzards (Beamer, 1926; Douglass, 1929).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Specific epithet commemorates Montezuma. Montezuma (c. 1466 or c.1480–1520) was the 9th ruler of Tenochtitlan, reigning from 1502 to 1520. It was during Moctezuma's reign that the Spanish Conquest began.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Griburius montezuma. 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 montezuma (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Griburius montezuma
What is Griburius montezuma?
Griburius montezuma is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Griburius montezuma?
dets. E.G. Riley: There exists a color form of this species where the ivory-white elytral markings are absent or nearly so, being reduced to a very narrow strip along the lower anterior portion of the elytral margin. From above, the elytra of these specimens appear to be entirely black. This dark form also has the pronotum almost entirely red, whereas the normal form has a large part of the anterior pronotal disc black and the extreme anterior edge creamy white. The dark form is found in the eastern-most part of the species' range (from eastern Texas to Missouri and Florida). This color form and its eastern occurrence, neither formerly recorded in the literature, have resulted in the previous misidentification of this species.
Where is Griburius montezuma found?
Range: se US to AZ-UT (AZ-FL-MD-UT) / Mex. - Map , most records from AZ Eastern/dark form: TX-FL-MD-MO. Western/pale form: AZ-TX-KS-UT / Mex.
What does Griburius montezuma eat?
The diet of the Griburius montezuma includes There were many of these on flowering mesquites. (BG data) ( 4 ).
When is Griburius montezuma active?
Griburius montezuma: seasonal activity - End of March to late August.
What is the life cycle of a Griburius montezuma?
Reared from larva taken in pack rat ( Neotoma ) nest. Similarly, some workers have suspected that these insects feed on feces and debris in caves inhabited by buzzards (Beamer, 1926; Douglass, 1929).