Monoxia andrewsi
This record describes Monoxia andrewsi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
HOLOTYPE
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Monoxia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coastal saline habitats
Geographic Range
all known localities from near the southern Texas coast in the general area east of the city of Brownsville , Riley recognizes six species comprising the Monoxia material available from the southern Texas coast.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
swept from large clumps of an unidentified species of Atriplex growing on the lower portions of clay hills adjacent to saline flats. Various Atriplex species, often known by the vernacular “saltbush” due to their affinity for saline soils, are the recorded hosts of M. elegans , as well as certain other Monoxia species (Blake 1939, ).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Monoxia andrewsi Riley, 2020
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Monoxia andrewsi. 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 Monoxia andrewsi (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Monoxia andrewsi
How big is Monoxia andrewsi?
male 3.67– 4.27 mm (ave. = 3.92, n = 15) female 3.57– 4.35 mm (ave. = 4.07, n = 15)
How do you identify Monoxia andrewsi?
HOLOTYPE
Where is Monoxia andrewsi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coastal saline habitats |
| Range | all known localities from near the southern Texas coast in the general area east of the city of Brownsville , Riley recognizes six species comprising the Monoxia material available from the southern Texas coast. |
What is the life cycle of a Monoxia andrewsi?
swept from large clumps of an unidentified species of Atriplex growing on the lower portions of clay hills adjacent to saline flats. Various Atriplex species, often known by the vernacular saltbush due to their affinity for saline soils, are the recorded hosts of M. elegans , as well as certain other Monoxia species (Blake 1939, ).