Metachroma interruptum
This record describes Metachroma interruptum (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Broadly oblong oval, without strong elytral costae - Blake's final couplet leading to this sp. Apparently this species is more or less dimorphic in its coloring, the male often being entirely pale without dark markings, the female usually with dark spots on pronotum and interrupted vittae on the elytra. In a series from Shreveport, Louisiana, 48 females have dark markings and 23 males either have very faint markings or are entirely pale.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Typophorini
- Genus
- Metachroma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TX-FL-IN-UT ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ plants in 5 families ( 4 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Metachroma interruptum. 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 Metachroma interruptum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Metachroma interruptum
What is Metachroma interruptum?
Metachroma interruptum is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Metachroma interruptum?
4.4 - 6.0 mm
How do you identify Metachroma interruptum?
Broadly oblong oval, without strong elytral costae - Blake's final couplet leading to this sp. Apparently this species is more or less dimorphic in its coloring, the male often being entirely pale without dark markings, the female usually with dark spots on pronotum and interrupted vittae on the elytra. In a series from Shreveport, Louisiana, 48 females have dark markings and 23 males either have very faint markings or are entirely pale.
Where is Metachroma interruptum found?
Range: TX-FL-IN-UT ( 3 )
What does Metachroma interruptum eat?
The diet of the Metachroma interruptum includes asso. w/ plants in 5 families ( 4 ).