Lytta sublaevis
This record describes Lytta sublaevis (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
CA: w. side of the Central Valley and adjacent hills from Alameda and San Joaquin counties south, thence east along the Tehachapi Mts and north along the eastern edge of the Central Valley to Tulare Co.
Seasonal Activity
21.ii-25.vii
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lytta sublaevis (Horn 1868)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lytta sublaevis. 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 sublaevis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lytta sublaevis
How big is Lytta sublaevis?
11-20 mm
Where is Lytta sublaevis found?
Range: CA: w. side of the Central Valley and adjacent hills from Alameda and San Joaquin counties south, thence east along the Tehachapi Mts and north along the eastern edge of the Central Valley to Tulare Co.
When is Lytta sublaevis active?
Lytta sublaevis: seasonal activity - 21.ii-25.vii.