Metachroma viticola
This record describes Metachroma viticola (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Prothorax lustrous deep reddish brown, minutely punctate. ( 3 ) Det. E. G. Riley, 2013 Type Locality: Brighton, Texas (apparently in Nueces Co.)
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
Habitat
Gulf coast ( 3 )
Geographic Range
sw. LA to e. Mex. - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , modern records from southmost TX (Cameron and Hidalgo Co.) (BG & iNat data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on "beach sensitive pea" - Chamaecrista chamaecristoides (Fabaceae) (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2013)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Metachroma viticola Linell, 1898
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Metachroma viticola. 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 viticola (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Metachroma viticola
What is Metachroma viticola?
Metachroma viticola is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Metachroma viticola?
4.0 to 5.8 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Metachroma viticola?
Prothorax lustrous deep reddish brown, minutely punctate. ( 3 ) Det. E. G. Riley, 2013
Where is Metachroma viticola found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Gulf coast ( 3 ) |
| Range | sw. LA to e. Mex. - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , modern records from southmost TX (Cameron and Hidalgo Co.) (BG & iNat data) |
What does Metachroma viticola eat?
The diet of the Metachroma viticola includes on beach sensitive pea - Chamaecrista chamaecristoides (Fabaceae) (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2013).