Languria laeta
This record describes Languria laeta (species). Recorded family: Erotylidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | head red; thorax spotless; antennal club emerging abruptly from stem, seventh segment (base of club) at least twice as wide as preceding segments, segments strongly dilated to inner side [pro]thorax ventrally red (except betw. |
| Legs | legs), abdominal venter piceous Type Locality: Kansas River |
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
sc. US (MO‒*SD‒CO‒TX) / Mex. - Map (*BG data), mostly TX & the Colo. front range
Seasonal Activity
May‒Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: all stages in TX taken on prickly poppy ( Argemone "platyceras", Papaveraceae) (emphasis added) , larvae and adults taken in e.TX from Jimsonweed ( Datura wrightii , Solanaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Languria laeta LeConte 1854
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Languria laeta. 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 laeta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Languria laeta
What is Languria laeta?
Languria laeta is a species in the family Erotylidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Languria laeta?
8‒11 mm
How do you identify Languria laeta?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | head red; thorax spotless; antennal club emerging abruptly from stem, seventh segment (base of club) at least twice as wide as preceding segments, segments strongly dilated to inner side [pro]thorax ventrally red (except betw. |
| Legs | legs), abdominal venter piceous |
Where is Languria laeta found?
Range: sc. US (MO‒*SD‒CO‒TX) / Mex. - Map (*BG data), mostly TX & the Colo. front range
What does Languria laeta eat?
The diet of the Languria laeta includes all stages in TX taken on prickly poppy ( Argemone platyceras, Papaveraceae) (emphasis added) , larvae and adults taken in e.TX from Jimsonweed ( Datura wrightii , Solanaceae).
When is Languria laeta active?
Languria laeta: seasonal activity - May‒Aug.