Pentispa melanura
This record describes Pentispa melanura (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pentispa melanura (Chapuis) – form 1 Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 Pentispa melanura (Chapuis) – form 2 Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Chalepini
- Genus
- Pentispa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c. TX to C. Amer. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
adults coll'ed from Verbesina microptera , V. virginica and from Viguiera dentata (Asteraceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: melanura (NL) 'black-tailed'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pentispa melanura. 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 Pentispa melanura (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pentispa melanura
What is Pentispa melanura?
Pentispa melanura is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Pentispa melanura?
Pentispa melanura (Chapuis) – form 1 Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 Pentispa melanura (Chapuis) – form 2 Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
Where is Pentispa melanura found?
Range: c. TX to C. Amer. - Map
What is the life cycle of a Pentispa melanura?
adults coll'ed from Verbesina microptera , V. virginica and from Viguiera dentata (Asteraceae) ( 4 )