Metachroma luridum
This record describes Metachroma luridum (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra three times as long as prothorax and usually dark on side - last couplet of Blake's (1970) key... But, [a]s in so many species of Metachroma there is considerable variation in coloring, some specimens being entirely without dark markings or with only a faint darkening of the margin, and these last are difficult to distinguish from M. marginale Crotch, which is generally a little larger and not so flat as M. luridum , and with only the margin dark. The aedeagus is quite different. ( 3 ) Type Locality: Caroline
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
mostly coastal states: TX-FL-NJ / Mex. ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ oaks - Quercus (Fagaceae) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: luridum (L). 'pale yellow'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Metachroma luridum. 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 luridum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Metachroma luridum
What is Metachroma luridum?
Metachroma luridum is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Metachroma luridum?
3.5 to 4.0 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Metachroma luridum?
Elytra three times as long as prothorax and usually dark on side - last couplet of Blake's (1970) key... But, [a]s in so many species of Metachroma there is considerable variation in coloring, some specimens being entirely without dark markings or with only a faint darkening of the margin, and these last are difficult to distinguish from M. marginale Crotch, which is generally a little larger and not so flat as M. luridum , and with only the margin dark. The aedeagus is quite different. ( 3 )
Where is Metachroma luridum found?
Range: mostly coastal states: TX-FL-NJ / Mex. ( 4 )
What does Metachroma luridum eat?
The diet of the Metachroma luridum includes asso. w/ oaks - Quercus (Fagaceae) ( 5 ).