Metaparia mandibuloflexa
This record describes Metaparia mandibuloflexa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Metaparia mandibuloflexa is distinguished from other species of Metaparia by the dorsal lobes of the male mandibles projecting at 45°. Only one other species of Metaparia prosopis , has male mandibles with a prominent ridge, but in this species the ridge is perpendicular to the mandible dorsal surface. Type Locality: Brownsville, Texas, V-8-35, J. N. Knull
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Eumolpini
- Genus
- Metaparia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
across s. TX (Cameron to Reeves to Uvalde to San Patricio Cos.) / ne. Mex. (NL & Tamps) - Map , commonly coll'ed via beating at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Rio Hondo, Cameron Co., TX
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Sept
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Metaparia mandibuloflexa Sublett, Schultz, and Cook
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Metaparia mandibuloflexa. 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 Metaparia mandibuloflexa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Metaparia mandibuloflexa
What is Metaparia mandibuloflexa?
Metaparia mandibuloflexa is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Metaparia mandibuloflexa?
Metaparia mandibuloflexa is distinguished from other species of Metaparia by the dorsal lobes of the male mandibles projecting at 45°. Only one other species of Metaparia prosopis , has male mandibles with a prominent ridge, but in this species the ridge is perpendicular to the mandible dorsal surface.
Where is Metaparia mandibuloflexa found?
Range: across s. TX (Cameron to Reeves to Uvalde to San Patricio Cos.) / ne. Mex. (NL & Tamps) - Map , commonly coll'ed via beating at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Rio Hondo, Cameron Co., TX
When is Metaparia mandibuloflexa active?
Metaparia mandibuloflexa: seasonal activity - Apr-Sept.