Phodaga marmorata
This record describes Phodaga marmorata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Tribe
- Eupomphini
- Genus
- Phodaga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. CA to w. TX, CO - Map (GBIF), Rio Grande Valley from near Albuquerque, NM, to the Big Bend region (TX) and west through so. AZ and Sonora to the Colorado and Mojave deserts of CA
Seasonal Activity
late Jun to mid-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults on Pectis papposa (native), Kallstroemia grandiflora (introduced), Tribulus terrestris (introduced)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phodaga marmorata (Casey 1891)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phodaga marmorata. 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 Phodaga marmorata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Phodaga marmorata
How big is Phodaga marmorata?
6-16 mm
Where is Phodaga marmorata found?
Range: s. CA to w. TX, CO - Map (GBIF), Rio Grande Valley from near Albuquerque, NM, to the Big Bend region (TX) and west through so. AZ and Sonora to the Colorado and Mojave deserts of CA
What does Phodaga marmorata eat?
The diet of the Phodaga marmorata includes adults on Pectis papposa (native), Kallstroemia grandiflora (introduced), Tribulus terrestris (introduced).
When is Phodaga marmorata active?
Phodaga marmorata: seasonal activity - late Jun to mid-Oct.