Rufus Clouded Bruchid
Mimosestes nubigens
This record describes Mimosestes nubigens (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Easily recognizable by the unique, pronounced denticulate shoulders of the pronotum. Other characters are the subangulate postocular lobe of the eye and the large, transverse plate in the internal sac. Type Locality: Bresil
Wikipedia reference for Mimosestes nubigens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimosestes nubigens.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Mimosestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.CA-AZ, c.TX, FL, HI / Mexico to Brazil - Map , common in s. TX & Mexico ( Preferred host ranges from CA to FL.)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The preferred host is probably Huisache ( Vachellia (=Acacia) farnesiana ) both on the mainland and in Hawaii. Large numbers of beetles emerge from samples taken anywhere within its host range. Rearing records: Acacia cornigera, A. farnesiana, A. schaffneri, A. tortuosa; Prosopis pallida (Hawaii). Records needing confirmation: Acacia amentacea; Caesalpinia coriaria; Ceratonia siliqua; Cordia sp.; Gleditsia triacanthos; Lotus sp.; Prosopis chilensis, P. glandulosa glandulosa, P. glandulosa torreyana, P. juliflora.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: (L). 'born from cloud'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mimosestes nubigens. 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 Rufus Clouded Bruchid (6)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Rufus Clouded Bruchid
What is Rufus Clouded Bruchid?
Rufus Clouded Bruchid (Mimosestes nubigens) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rufus Clouded Bruchid?
length 2.2–4.1 mm
How do you identify Rufus Clouded Bruchid?
Easily recognizable by the unique, pronounced denticulate shoulders of the pronotum. Other characters are the subangulate postocular lobe of the eye and the large, transverse plate in the internal sac.
Where is Rufus Clouded Bruchid found?
Range: s.CA-AZ, c.TX, FL, HI / Mexico to Brazil - Map , common in s. TX & Mexico ( Preferred host ranges from CA to FL.)
What does Rufus Clouded Bruchid eat?
The diet of the Rufus Clouded Bruchid includes The preferred host is probably Huisache ( Vachellia (=Acacia) farnesiana ) both on the mainland and in Hawaii. Large numbers of beetles emerge from samples taken anywhere within its host range. Rearing records: Acacia cornigera, A. farnesiana, A. schaffneri, A. tortuosa; Prosopis pallida (Hawaii). Records needing confirmation: Acacia amentacea; Caesalpinia coriaria; Ceratonia siliqua; Cordia sp.; Gleditsia triacanthos; Lotus sp.; Prosopis chilensis, P. glandulosa glandulosa, P. glandulosa torreyana, P. juliflora..