Oulema simulans
This record describes Oulema simulans (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
last antennal segment(s) sometimes pale; vertex (of head) with a distinct longitudinal depression; most of tibia and tarsi brown to red brown. O. simulans typically bears moderately developed interantennal tubercules Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX
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
Geographic Range
Great Plains (TX-LA-IL-KS)
Seasonal Activity
Jan-Nov
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Dayflower - Commelina spp. (Commelinaceae) ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oulema simulans. 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 simulans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Oulema simulans
What is Oulema simulans?
Oulema simulans is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oulema simulans?
body length: 4.6-6.0 mm
How do you identify Oulema simulans?
last antennal segment(s) sometimes pale; vertex (of head) with a distinct longitudinal depression; most of tibia and tarsi brown to red brown. O. simulans typically bears moderately developed interantennal tubercules
Where is Oulema simulans found?
Range: Great Plains (TX-LA-IL-KS)
What does Oulema simulans eat?
The diet of the Oulema simulans includes Dayflower - Commelina spp. (Commelinaceae) ( 3 ).
When is Oulema simulans active?
Oulema simulans: seasonal activity - Jan-Nov.