Megacerus discoidus
This record describes Megacerus discoidus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This handsome species with its quadrate, red elytral maculae can hardly be mistaken for any other eastern American bruchid.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Megacerus (Large-horned Bruchids)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA to CO-NM (NM-FL-NB-BC) - Map , largely absent from the deep south
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host plants: Calystegia spp.; Convolvulus arvensis; Ipomoea spp. (Convolvulaceae) Flowers of Daucus carota and Hibiscus sp.
Life History
Adults are commonly found on flowers of many plant species. Natural enemies: Uscana semifumipennis (Trichogrammatidae); Dinarmus sp. (Pteromalidae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Megacerus discoidus. 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 Megacerus discoidus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Ted Kropiewnicki , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Megacerus discoidus
What is Megacerus discoidus?
Megacerus discoidus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Megacerus discoidus?
Body length 2.6–3.6 mm
How do you identify Megacerus discoidus?
This handsome species with its quadrate, red elytral maculae can hardly be mistaken for any other eastern American bruchid.
Where is Megacerus discoidus found?
Range: e NA to CO-NM (NM-FL-NB-BC) - Map , largely absent from the deep south
What does Megacerus discoidus eat?
The diet of the Megacerus discoidus includes Host plants: Calystegia spp.; Convolvulus arvensis; Ipomoea spp. (Convolvulaceae) Flowers of Daucus carota and Hibiscus sp..
What is the life cycle of a Megacerus discoidus?
Adults are commonly found on flowers of many plant species. Natural enemies: Uscana semifumipennis (Trichogrammatidae); Dinarmus sp. (Pteromalidae)