Metaparia opacicollis
This record describes Metaparia opacicollis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley Type Locality: S.W. Tex
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley
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
e. NM to TX coast - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
May-July (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reported from Mesquite ( Prosopis ) and various forbs ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: opacicollis (L). 'dull neck'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Metaparia opacicollis. 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 opacicollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Metaparia opacicollis
What is Metaparia opacicollis?
Metaparia opacicollis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Metaparia opacicollis?
Det. E. G. Riley
Where is Metaparia opacicollis found?
Range: e. NM to TX coast - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Metaparia opacicollis eat?
The diet of the Metaparia opacicollis includes Reported from Mesquite ( Prosopis ) and various forbs ( 5 ).
When is Metaparia opacicollis active?
Metaparia opacicollis: seasonal activity - May-July (BG data).