Megascelis texana
This record describes Megascelis texana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Brownsville, TX (Linell 1898) Texas considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) ( 6 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Eumolpini
- Genus
- Megascelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
palm forest ( 4 )
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.) to s. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: March, April, May, June, July. September, October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults on the foliage of Tepeguaje ( Leucaena pulverulenta , Fabaceae) ( 5 ) During some years, this species was found in high numbers on Leucaena pulverulenta growing in re-growth areas at the Palm Grove. A few adults were kept alive for a week or so on leaves of Leucaena pulverulent , which they consumed (E. G. Riley, pers. obser., May 2008).
Life History
The larva of M. texana is unknown, but as a member of the subfamily Eumolpinae, it is highly likely to be a subterranean root feeder, as is the case with known eumolpine larvae ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Megascelis texana Linell 1897(1898)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Megascelis texana. 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 Megascelis texana (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Megascelis texana
What is Megascelis texana?
Megascelis texana is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Megascelis texana?
4.7-4.6 mm
Where is Megascelis texana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | palm forest ( 4 ) |
| Range | southmost TX (Cameron Co.) to s. Mex. - Map |
What does Megascelis texana eat?
The diet of the Megascelis texana includes Adults on the foliage of Tepeguaje ( Leucaena pulverulenta , Fabaceae) ( 5 ) During some years, this species was found in high numbers on Leucaena pulverulenta growing in re-growth areas at the Palm Grove. A few adults were kept alive for a week or so on leaves of Leucaena pulverulent , which they consumed (E. G. Riley, pers. obser., May 2008)..
When is Megascelis texana active?
Megascelis texana: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: March, April, May, June, July. September, October..
What is the life cycle of a Megascelis texana?
The larva of M. texana is unknown, but as a member of the subfamily Eumolpinae, it is highly likely to be a subterranean root feeder, as is the case with known eumolpine larvae ( 5 )