Lytta lecontei
This record describes Lytta lecontei (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Head and pronotum orange, pronotum with two black spots Det. R.B. Selander, 1953 Type Locality: One specimen, Mexican Boundary; collected by Mr. Clark, under Col. J. D. Graham.
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
Dallas to ne. Mex. (n. Tamps) - Map , mostly Dallas to Corpus , formerly fairly common in southmost TX
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-May ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
the most common plant assoiations appear to be Texas Dandelion ( Pyrrhopappus pauciflorus [=multicaulis] , Asteraceae) , and Pink Evening Primrose ( Oenothera speciosa , Onagraceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lytta lecontei Heyden 1890
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lytta lecontei. 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 lecontei (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lytta lecontei
What is Lytta lecontei?
Lytta lecontei is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lytta lecontei?
13-20 mm
How do you identify Lytta lecontei?
Head and pronotum orange, pronotum with two black spots Det. R.B. Selander, 1953
Where is Lytta lecontei found?
Range: Dallas to ne. Mex. (n. Tamps) - Map , mostly Dallas to Corpus , formerly fairly common in southmost TX
When is Lytta lecontei active?
Lytta lecontei: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-May ( 5 ).
What is the life cycle of a Lytta lecontei?
the most common plant assoiations appear to be Texas Dandelion ( Pyrrhopappus pauciflorus [=multicaulis] , Asteraceae) , and Pink Evening Primrose ( Oenothera speciosa , Onagraceae)