Mimosestes protractus
This record describes Mimosestes protractus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The elongate, parallel-sided form, reddish-orange appendages, and depression of the 5th sternum should easily separate this species from other North American Mimosestes Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 Type locality: Lower California
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 to TX (Brazos R.), UT-NV / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Prosopis glandulosa glandulosa, P. glandulosa torreyana, P. laevigata, P. velutina; Parkinsonia microphylla, P. texana. (Fabaceae)
Life History
has been found as an inquiline in galls of Disholcaspis cinerosa (Bassett) (Cynipidae) by Wheeler and Longino.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: (L). 'prolonged'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mimosestes protractus. 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 Mimosestes protractus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mimosestes protractus
What is Mimosestes protractus?
Mimosestes protractus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mimosestes protractus?
length 2.0–3.5 mm width 1.2–2.1 mm.
How do you identify Mimosestes protractus?
The elongate, parallel-sided form, reddish-orange appendages, and depression of the 5th sternum should easily separate this species from other North American Mimosestes Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
Where is Mimosestes protractus found?
Range: s.CA to TX (Brazos R.), UT-NV / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map
What does Mimosestes protractus eat?
The diet of the Mimosestes protractus includes Prosopis glandulosa glandulosa, P. glandulosa torreyana, P. laevigata, P. velutina; Parkinsonia microphylla, P. texana. (Fabaceae).
What is the life cycle of a Mimosestes protractus?
has been found as an inquiline in galls of Disholcaspis cinerosa (Bassett) (Cynipidae) by Wheeler and Longino.