Parorectis callosa
This record describes Parorectis callosa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Parorectis callosa is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Parorectis callosa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parorectis callosa.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Cassidini
- Genus
- Parorectis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US (s. to n. TX, AL-FL-SC) / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ ground cherry ( Physalis ) and nightshade ( Solanum ) (Solanaceae) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: callio (G). 'more beautiful'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Parorectis callosa. 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 Parorectis callosa (5)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Ashley Schmitz, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ashley Schmitz | (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick | Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Parorectis callosa
What is Parorectis callosa?
Parorectis callosa is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Parorectis callosa?
Length 4.0–5.4 mm
Where is Parorectis callosa found?
Range: se US (s. to n. TX, AL-FL-SC) / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Parorectis callosa eat?
The diet of the Parorectis callosa includes asso. w/ ground cherry ( Physalis ) and nightshade ( Solanum ) (Solanaceae) ( 5 ).