Oulema concolor
This record describes Oulema concolor (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
entire body dark, nearly all spmns bluish above, but may be green
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Criocerinae
- Tribe
- Lemini
- Genus
- Oulema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
above 6,000 ft
Geographic Range
se AZ, ne NM / Mex.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
reported from brakefern ( Pteridium aquilinum ) (Cockerell, 1902)(Pallister, 1953) , but Riley et al. suggest it actually feeds on paintbrush ( Castilleja , Scrophulariaceae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oulema concolor. 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 Oulema concolor (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Oulema concolor
What is Oulema concolor?
Oulema concolor is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oulema concolor?
4.0-4.5 mm
How do you identify Oulema concolor?
entire body dark, nearly all spmns bluish above, but may be green
Where is Oulema concolor found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | above 6,000 ft |
| Range | se AZ, ne NM / Mex. |
What is the life cycle of a Oulema concolor?
reported from brakefern ( Pteridium aquilinum ) (Cockerell, 1902)(Pallister, 1953) , but Riley et al. suggest it actually feeds on paintbrush ( Castilleja , Scrophulariaceae)