Metachroma orientale
This record describes Metachroma orientale (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
oblong oval, shining, pale yellow-brown with head and prothorax usually a deeper yellowish or reddish brown Type Locality: North Carolina
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
coastal states: MA-n.FL-TX, OK - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: recorded from Pinus taeda (Pinaceae), also Quercus marilandica and Q. stellata (Fagaceae) ( 7 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Metachroma orientale Blake 1970
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Metachroma orientale. 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 orientale (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Metachroma orientale
What is Metachroma orientale?
Metachroma orientale is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Metachroma orientale?
Length: 3.5-4.7 mm
How do you identify Metachroma orientale?
oblong oval, shining, pale yellow-brown with head and prothorax usually a deeper yellowish or reddish brown
Where is Metachroma orientale found?
Range: coastal states: MA-n.FL-TX, OK - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 )
What does Metachroma orientale eat?
The diet of the Metachroma orientale includes recorded from Pinus taeda (Pinaceae), also Quercus marilandica and Q. stellata (Fagaceae) ( 7 ).