Monoxia elegans
This record describes Monoxia elegans (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The species key is available in Blake 1939 and Wilcox 1965 , with the former having the detailed original description too. The key requires inspection of the male's aedeagus. However, host plant identification, locality, and other key features are helpful in eliminating other possibilities.
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
Geographic Range
Colorado to New Mexico to Oregon
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Atriplex , Chenopodium , sugar beet ( Beta ), kafircorn
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Monoxia elegans Blake, 1939
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Monoxia elegans. 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 elegans (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Edward L. Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Monoxia elegans
What is Monoxia elegans?
Monoxia elegans is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Monoxia elegans?
3.4-4.5 mm
How do you identify Monoxia elegans?
The species key is available in Blake 1939 and Wilcox 1965 , with the former having the detailed original description too. The key requires inspection of the male's aedeagus. However, host plant identification, locality, and other key features are helpful in eliminating other possibilities.
Where is Monoxia elegans found?
Range: Colorado to New Mexico to Oregon
What does Monoxia elegans eat?
The diet of the Monoxia elegans includes Atriplex , Chenopodium , sugar beet ( Beta ), kafircorn.