Microtheca picea
This record describes Microtheca picea (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Microtheca picea is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America and South America.
Wikipedia reference for Microtheca picea: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microtheca picea.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Microtheca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
immigrant: c.TX, AL, c.FL - Map , rare in the US, native to S. Amer.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reported from Virginia pepperweed - Lepidium virginicum and other Brassicaceae ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: pica (L). 'pitch black'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Microtheca picea. 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 Microtheca picea (3)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Microtheca picea
What is Microtheca picea?
Microtheca picea is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Microtheca picea?
4.1-5.2 mm (Balsbaugh 1978)
Where is Microtheca picea found?
Range: immigrant: c.TX, AL, c.FL - Map , rare in the US, native to S. Amer.
What does Microtheca picea eat?
The diet of the Microtheca picea includes Reported from Virginia pepperweed - Lepidium virginicum and other Brassicaceae ( 5 ).