Lytta mirifica
This record describes Lytta mirifica (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Mirifica and arizonica only species of Lytta possessing combination of black head, orange pronotum, and reticulate elytra. elytra coarsely reticulate, most cells at least .5 mm. in diameter. Rio Grande region near El Paso, Texas PARATYPE known to Selander only by a series of more than 100 specimens collected at the type locality, Anthony, Doña Ana Co., New Mexico, in 1941 by R. H. Crandall. Considered by New Mexico to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
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
Habitat
Low-elevation deserts, appears to be restricted to the sand dune areas around El Paso ( 4 )
Geographic Range
sc. NM (Doña Ana Co.), w. TX (El Paso Co.), nc. Chihuahua, Mex. (Samalayuca Dune Fields) - Map
Seasonal Activity
May-Sept (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lytta (Paralytta) mirifica Werner, 1950
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lytta mirifica. 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 mirifica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Lytta mirifica
What is Lytta mirifica?
Lytta mirifica is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lytta mirifica?
Length 14-21 mm
How do you identify Lytta mirifica?
Mirifica and arizonica only species of Lytta possessing combination of black head, orange pronotum, and reticulate elytra. elytra coarsely reticulate, most cells at least .5 mm. in diameter. Rio Grande region near El Paso, Texas PARATYPE
Where is Lytta mirifica found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Low-elevation deserts, appears to be restricted to the sand dune areas around El Paso ( 4 ) |
| Range | sc. NM (Doña Ana Co.), w. TX (El Paso Co.), nc. Chihuahua, Mex. (Samalayuca Dune Fields) - Map |
When is Lytta mirifica active?
Lytta mirifica: seasonal activity - May-Sept (BG data).