Lytta cribrata
This record describes Lytta cribrata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotoum black at center, broadly orange at sides; head with a diamond-shaped orange frontal spot. Det. E. G. Riley, 1996
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Genus
- Lytta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. TX to Del Rio / Mexico (Chihuahua, Durango) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Nov ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lytta cribrata LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lytta cribrata. 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 Lytta cribrata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Chuck Sexton
Frequently Asked Questions About Lytta cribrata
What is Lytta cribrata?
Lytta cribrata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lytta cribrata?
18-20 mm
How do you identify Lytta cribrata?
Pronotoum black at center, broadly orange at sides; head with a diamond-shaped orange frontal spot. Det. E. G. Riley, 1996
Where is Lytta cribrata found?
Range: w. TX to Del Rio / Mexico (Chihuahua, Durango) - Map
When is Lytta cribrata active?
Lytta cribrata: seasonal activity - Mar-Nov ( 3 ).