ColeopteraChrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles

Megalostomis pyropyga

This record describes Megalostomis pyropyga (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Megalostomis pyropyga - Megalostomis pyropyga
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

The metallic blue green and purple pronotum and elytral apex are unique for US Megalostomis . … John R. Watts, 8 July, 2008

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Chrysomeloidea
Family
Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
Subfamily
Cryptocephalinae
Tribe
Clytrini
Genus
Megalostomis

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

AZ-NM / Mex.

Seasonal Activity

Jul-Aug (BG data)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Megalostomis pyropyga Lacordaire 1848

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Megalostomis pyropyga. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Megalostomis pyropyga (5)

Megalostomis pyropyga - photo 1
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Megalostomis pyropyga - photo 2
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Megalostomis pyropyga - photo 3
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Megalostomis pyropyga - photo 4
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Megalostomis pyropyga - photo 5
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Megalostomis pyropyga

What is Megalostomis pyropyga?

Megalostomis pyropyga is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How do you identify Megalostomis pyropyga?

The metallic blue green and purple pronotum and elytral apex are unique for US Megalostomis . … John R. Watts, 8 July, 2008

Where is Megalostomis pyropyga found?

Range: AZ-NM / Mex.

When is Megalostomis pyropyga active?

Megalostomis pyropyga: seasonal activity - Jul-Aug (BG data).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.