Merobruchus terani
This record describes Merobruchus terani (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type locality: Costa Rica, Guanacaste Prov., Santa Rosa N.P.
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
Geographic Range
southmost TX to Costa Rica - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: No host records are known in the United States, but two of the host plants listed by Kingsolver from northern Mexico, Acacia berlandieri and A. angustissima , also occur in Texas. The type series was reared from A. tenuifolia
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Merobruchus terani Kingsolver 1980
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Merobruchus terani. 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 Merobruchus terani (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Merobruchus terani
What is Merobruchus terani?
Merobruchus terani is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Merobruchus terani?
Body length 2.9-4.5 mm; width 1.9-2.5 mm
Where is Merobruchus terani found?
Range: southmost TX to Costa Rica - Map
What does Merobruchus terani eat?
The diet of the Merobruchus terani includes No host records are known in the United States, but two of the host plants listed by Kingsolver from northern Mexico, Acacia berlandieri and A. angustissima , also occur in Texas. The type series was reared from A. tenuifolia.