Metaparia viridimicans
This record describes Metaparia viridimicans (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Metaparia viridimicans is a species of leaf beetle. It is found in North America.
Identification notes
variable: Specimens determined by E.G. Riley:
Wikipedia reference for Metaparia viridimicans: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaparia_viridimicans.
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
AZ to s. TX - Map , mostly Corpus to RGV
Seasonal Activity
Mar-May ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: mesquite, ebony (Fabaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: viridimicans = 'granular green'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Metaparia viridimicans. 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 viridimicans (6)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley | Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Metaparia viridimicans
What is Metaparia viridimicans?
Metaparia viridimicans is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Metaparia viridimicans?
4 mm (Horn 1892)
How do you identify Metaparia viridimicans?
variable: Specimens determined by E.G. Riley:
Where is Metaparia viridimicans found?
Range: AZ to s. TX - Map , mostly Corpus to RGV
What does Metaparia viridimicans eat?
The diet of the Metaparia viridimicans includes mesquite, ebony (Fabaceae) ( 4 ).
When is Metaparia viridimicans active?
Metaparia viridimicans: seasonal activity - Mar-May ( 3 ).