Lytta viridana
This record describes Lytta viridana (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
may co-occur with L. nuttalli on same plants (in SK)
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
Limited to higher elevations in the southern part of its range.
Geographic Range
BC-so.MB to n.AZ-n.NM - Map ; consistently allopatric with L. cyanipennis
Seasonal Activity
20.v-14.viii
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Apparently restricted to Fabaceae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lytta viridana LeConte 1866
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lytta viridana. 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 viridana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Lytta viridana
What is Lytta viridana?
Lytta viridana is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Lytta viridana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Limited to higher elevations in the southern part of its range. |
| Range | BC-so.MB to n.AZ-n.NM - Map ; consistently allopatric with L. cyanipennis |
What does Lytta viridana eat?
The diet of the Lytta viridana includes Apparently restricted to Fabaceae.
When is Lytta viridana active?
Lytta viridana: seasonal activity - 20.v-14.viii.