Oak Paria
Paria opacicollis
This record describes Paria opacicollis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Oak Paria (Paria opacicollis) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as leaf beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Eumolpinae, tribe Typophorini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Chrysomeloidea. This species belongs to the genus Paria. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 3-4 mm. Active during mostly Apr-Aug.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Typophorini
- Genus
- Paria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (TX-FL-NY-SD) - Map , mostly TX records reported
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-Aug ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Primarily Oaks, Quercus spp, but other trees as well. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Paria opacicollis Leconte 1859
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paria opacicollis. 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 Oak Paria (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Paria
What is Oak Paria?
Oak Paria (Paria opacicollis) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oak Paria?
3-4 mm
Where is Oak Paria found?
Range: e. US (TX-FL-NY-SD) - Map , mostly TX records reported
What does Oak Paria eat?
The diet of the Oak Paria includes Primarily Oaks, Quercus spp, but other trees as well. ( 4 ).
When is Oak Paria active?
Oak Paria: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-Aug ( 3 ).