Keitheatus blakeae
This record describes Keitheatus blakeae (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Big Bend State Park, Chisos Mts., Brewster County, Texas, July 12 to 16, 1941. At the time of discovery there were actually millions of the beetles available. A single blow on the host plant would completely cover the beating sheet and fill the air about the plant.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Luperini
- Genus
- Keitheatus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. to sw. TX / n. Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host in US is Knifeleaf Condalia ( Condalia spathulata , Rhamnaceae) , must use one of the other Condalia spp. in Brewster Co.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym for Doris Holmes Blake (1892-?), Honorary Research Associate, Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History who published on Chrysomelids from 1927 to 1977.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Keitheatus blakeae. 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 Keitheatus blakeae (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Keitheatus blakeae
What is Keitheatus blakeae?
Keitheatus blakeae is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Keitheatus blakeae?
3-4.5 mm
Where is Keitheatus blakeae found?
Range: w. to sw. TX / n. Mex. - Map
What does Keitheatus blakeae eat?
The diet of the Keitheatus blakeae includes Host in US is Knifeleaf Condalia ( Condalia spathulata , Rhamnaceae) , must use one of the other Condalia spp. in Brewster Co..