Kytorhinus prolixus
This record describes Kytorhinus prolixus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The combination of characters-two sclerotized, prepygidial terga; strongly pectinate male antenna (see Type ); prominent eyes in male; uniformly dark brown or black integument; unarmed metafemur; and lack of tibial carinae-easily characterize this species. Type locality: McKinley Station , Denali National Park, Alaska.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Kytorhinini
- Genus
- Kytorhinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ID-SD-NT-AK
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Asso w/ Sweetvetchs - Hedysarum alpinum americanum, H. boreale (Fabaceae) (neither plant confirmed as a larval host record).
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Kytorhinus prolixus. 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 Kytorhinus prolixus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Kytorhinus prolixus
What is Kytorhinus prolixus?
Kytorhinus prolixus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Kytorhinus prolixus?
Body length 1.9–2.7 mm width 1.0–1.4 mm
How do you identify Kytorhinus prolixus?
The combination of characters-two sclerotized, prepygidial terga; strongly pectinate male antenna (see Type ); prominent eyes in male; uniformly dark brown or black integument; unarmed metafemur; and lack of tibial carinae-easily characterize this species.
Where is Kytorhinus prolixus found?
Range: ID-SD-NT-AK
What does Kytorhinus prolixus eat?
The diet of the Kytorhinus prolixus includes Asso w/ Sweetvetchs - Hedysarum alpinum americanum, H. boreale (Fabaceae) (neither plant confirmed as a larval host record)..