Miraces aeneipennis
This record describes Miraces aeneipennis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the head and thorax, while usually yellow, tends to become brownish or piceous. The meta-pectus is also similarly variable in color. The surface lustre of the elytra may be violaceous or bronzed, but in none of the dozen specimens before me is there any trace of blue. ( 3 ) does not come to lights
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Miraces
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, c. TX to C. Amer. - Map at least as far north as San Antonio, TX where Wickham coll'ed it "abundantly"
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Found repeatedly on Condalia hookeri (Rhamnaceae). Also on Karwinskia humboldtiana (Rhamnaceae). ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: aeneipennis (L). 'bronze-winged'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Miraces aeneipennis. 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 Miraces aeneipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Miraces aeneipennis
What is Miraces aeneipennis?
Miraces aeneipennis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Miraces aeneipennis?
the head and thorax, while usually yellow, tends to become brownish or piceous. The meta-pectus is also similarly variable in color. The surface lustre of the elytra may be violaceous or bronzed, but in none of the dozen specimens before me is there any trace of blue. ( 3 )
Where is Miraces aeneipennis found?
Range: AZ, c. TX to C. Amer. - Map at least as far north as San Antonio, TX where Wickham coll'ed it abundantly
What does Miraces aeneipennis eat?
The diet of the Miraces aeneipennis includes Found repeatedly on Condalia hookeri (Rhamnaceae). Also on Karwinskia humboldtiana (Rhamnaceae). ( 5 ).