Texas Ebony Bruchid
Merobruchus major
This record describes Merobruchus major (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas Both Merobruchus major and Stator beali are seed predators of Ebenopsis (=Pithecellobium) ebano ; however, S. beali also attacks other species of Ebenopsis whereas M. major is an obligate predator of E. ebano .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Merobruchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
highly specialized on a Texas Ebony
Geographic Range
s. TX (Corpus, RGV) / Mex. - Map ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
mostly: May-Oct. (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults visit flowers, probably consuming nectar or pollen
Life History
Larvae develop within the pods of Texas Ebony - Ebenopsis ebano (= Pithecellobium ebano ) (Fabaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: largest sp. in this genus.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Merobruchus major. 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 Texas Ebony Bruchid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Ebony Bruchid
What is Texas Ebony Bruchid?
Texas Ebony Bruchid (Merobruchus major) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Texas Ebony Bruchid?
length 5.2-8.8 mm
Where is Texas Ebony Bruchid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | highly specialized on a Texas Ebony |
| Range | s. TX (Corpus, RGV) / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) |
What does Texas Ebony Bruchid eat?
The diet of the Texas Ebony Bruchid includes Adults visit flowers, probably consuming nectar or pollen.
When is Texas Ebony Bruchid active?
Texas Ebony Bruchid: seasonal activity - mostly: May-Oct. (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Texas Ebony Bruchid?
Larvae develop within the pods of Texas Ebony - Ebenopsis ebano (= Pithecellobium ebano ) (Fabaceae)