Metachroma texanum
This record describes Metachroma texanum (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Metachroma texanum is a species of leaf beetle. It is found in coastal states of the southeastern United States, ranging from Texas to Florida. Its length is between 3.5 and 4.0 mm. It was first described by the American entomologist Charles Frederic August Schaeffer in 1919.
Wikipedia reference for Metachroma texanum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metachroma_texanum.
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.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Metachroma texanum. 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 texanum (6)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Mary Spolyar, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mary Spolyar | (c) Alexis Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Smith | (c) Brendan O'Loughlin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Brendan O'Loughlin