Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex)
Myochrous cyphus-denticollis
This record describes Myochrous cyphus-denticollis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Myochrous sp. denticollis-cyphus Complex Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Eumolpini
- Genus
- Myochrous
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Myochrous denticollis : TX-FL-MD-SD / QC / Mex. ( 3 ) Myochrous cyphus : NM-TX / Mex.
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Oct in TX (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Corn and other grasses
Life History
Adults emerge early in the spring to feed on young weed hosts, especially cocklebur
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: denticollis - toothed collar cyph - Greek for bent
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Myochrous cyphus-denticollis. 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 Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex) (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Maury Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex)
What is Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex)?
Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex) (Myochrous cyphus-denticollis) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex)?
Myochrous sp. denticollis-cyphus Complex Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010
Where is Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex) found?
Range: Myochrous denticollis : TX-FL-MD-SD / QC / Mex. ( 3 ) Myochrous cyphus : NM-TX / Mex.
What does Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex) eat?
The diet of the Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex) includes Corn and other grasses.
When is Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex) active?
Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex): seasonal activity - Apr-Oct in TX (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Southern Corn Leaf Beetle (cyphus-denticollis Complex)?
Adults emerge early in the spring to feed on young weed hosts, especially cocklebur