Knowltonia atrifasciata
This record describes Knowltonia atrifasciata (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dets. S. G. Wellso (one by dissection)
Identification notes
Dets. S. G. Wellso (one by dissection)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Buprestinae
- Tribe
- Chrysobothrini
- Genus
- Knowltonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (UT-CO-w.TX) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
larvae host in saltbush ( Atriplex sp., Chenopodiaceae) (of all things!)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Knowltonia atrifasciata. 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 Knowltonia atrifasciata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Richard L. Westcott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Knowltonia atrifasciata
What is Knowltonia atrifasciata?
Knowltonia atrifasciata is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Knowltonia atrifasciata?
Dets. S. G. Wellso (one by dissection)
Where is Knowltonia atrifasciata found?
Range: sw US (UT-CO-w.TX) - Map
What is the life cycle of a Knowltonia atrifasciata?
larvae host in saltbush ( Atriplex sp., Chenopodiaceae) (of all things!)