Lexiphanes mexicanus
This record describes Lexiphanes mexicanus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Lexiphanes mexicanus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America.
Wikipedia reference for Lexiphanes mexicanus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexiphanes_mexicanus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Cryptocephalini
- Genus
- Lexiphanes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ / w. to s. Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: apparently asso. w/ mesquite ( Prosopis ) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lexiphanes mexicanus (Jacoby 1908)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lexiphanes mexicanus. 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 Lexiphanes mexicanus (4)
Photo credits: (c) Jacob Simon, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jacob Simon | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Lexiphanes mexicanus
What is Lexiphanes mexicanus?
Lexiphanes mexicanus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Lexiphanes mexicanus found?
Range: AZ / w. to s. Mex. - Map
What does Lexiphanes mexicanus eat?
The diet of the Lexiphanes mexicanus includes apparently asso. w/ mesquite ( Prosopis ) ( 3 ).