Lytta deserticola
This record describes Lytta deserticola (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Tibiae black, femora rufous across middle. Elytra finely reticulate (emphasis added). Tarsi with pads. Rare forebody shiny, elytra subopaque and with fine raised reticulations; head, pronotum and fernora except for base and tip reddish orange, the pronotum often with 4 black spots in a line across the disc, the middle pair sometimes extending forward to the margin; rest of insect black.
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
sw. US (sw.UT-AZ-sw.NM) into Mexico
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Sep
Diet and Behavior
Diet: No food plants are known for this species, which is quite scarce.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lytta deserticola Horn 1870
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lytta deserticola. 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 deserticola (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lytta deserticola
What is Lytta deserticola?
Lytta deserticola is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lytta deserticola?
11-23 mm
How do you identify Lytta deserticola?
Tibiae black, femora rufous across middle. Elytra finely reticulate (emphasis added). Tarsi with pads. Rare forebody shiny, elytra subopaque and with fine raised reticulations; head, pronotum and fernora except for base and tip reddish orange, the pronotum often with 4 black spots in a line across the disc, the middle pair sometimes extending forward to the margin; rest of insect black.
Where is Lytta deserticola found?
Range: sw. US (sw.UT-AZ-sw.NM) into Mexico
What does Lytta deserticola eat?
The diet of the Lytta deserticola includes No food plants are known for this species, which is quite scarce..
When is Lytta deserticola active?
Lytta deserticola: seasonal activity - Jul-Sep.