Megacerus schaefferianus
This record describes Megacerus schaefferianus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pattern on pygidium like in M. discoidus , but all black, above with uniformely distributed, thin vestiture. Type locality: Nogales, Arizona
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
AZ / Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host plant: Ipomoea longifolia (flowers)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Megacerus schaefferianus Bridwell, 1929
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Megacerus schaefferianus. 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 schaefferianus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Megacerus schaefferianus
What is Megacerus schaefferianus?
Megacerus schaefferianus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Megacerus schaefferianus?
length 3.9 mm
How do you identify Megacerus schaefferianus?
pattern on pygidium like in M. discoidus , but all black, above with uniformely distributed, thin vestiture.
Where is Megacerus schaefferianus found?
Range: AZ / Mex. - Map
What does Megacerus schaefferianus eat?
The diet of the Megacerus schaefferianus includes Host plant: Ipomoea longifolia (flowers).