Languria bicolor
This record describes Languria bicolor (species). Recorded family: Erotylidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Large, robust (emphasis added); antennal club 6-segmented, emerging gradually from stem; head red; thorax with median dark spot (e. a.) though spot occasionally lacking; legs, last abdominal segment piceous Det. M. A. Quinn, 2014
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Erotylidae (Pleasing Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Erotylinae
- Tribe
- Languriini
- Genus
- Languria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (e.TX-FL-RI-WI) - Map , TX records e. of the Brazos R.
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Blatchley stated that adults were found on pale Indian plaintain ( Arnoglossum (=Mesadenia) atriplicifolia ), and the larvae live in the stems. One of the specimens in the United States National Museum, taken by Mr. Barber, was reared from larvae found also in this plant; it has a beautiful clear yellow thorax with a diamond-shaped median dark spot. Eleven other specimens were found in stems of atriplicifolia , and a number of adults were taken from Arnoglossum plantagineum (=M. tuberosa) . Chittenden also found adults on pale Indian plaintain in Maryland in June. He said every plant had a pair of beetles at the summit, that the leaves were much eaten, and the stems showed that eggs had been laid. By the first week in September he found pupae and beetles, four or five individuals in each stem. Except for the fact that galls often developed from the work of the larvae, he said there seemed to be no decrease in the vitality of the plants.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Languria bicolor (Fabricius 1798)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Languria bicolor. 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 Languria bicolor (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Languria bicolor
What is Languria bicolor?
Languria bicolor is a species in the family Erotylidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Languria bicolor?
7-13 mm (usually ≥10 mm)
How do you identify Languria bicolor?
Large, robust (emphasis added); antennal club 6-segmented, emerging gradually from stem; head red; thorax with median dark spot (e. a.) though spot occasionally lacking; legs, last abdominal segment piceous Det. M. A. Quinn, 2014
Where is Languria bicolor found?
Range: e. US (e.TX-FL-RI-WI) - Map , TX records e. of the Brazos R.
What does Languria bicolor eat?
The diet of the Languria bicolor includes Blatchley stated that adults were found on pale Indian plaintain ( Arnoglossum (=Mesadenia) atriplicifolia ), and the larvae live in the stems. One of the specimens in the United States National Museum, taken by Mr. Barber, was reared from larvae found also in this plant; it has a beautiful clear yellow thorax with a diamond-shaped median dark spot. Eleven other specimens were found in stems of atriplicifolia , and a number of adults were taken from Arnoglossum plantagineum (=M. tuberosa) . Chittenden also found adults on pale Indian plaintain in Maryland in June. He said every plant had a pair of beetles at the summit, that the leaves were much eaten, and the stems showed that eggs had been laid. By the first week in September he found pupae and beetles, four or five individuals in each stem. Except for the fact that galls often developed from the work of the larvae, he said there seemed to be no decrease in the vitality of the plants..
When is Languria bicolor active?
Languria bicolor: seasonal activity - Apr-Aug.