Phydanis bicolor
This record describes Phydanis bicolor (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males have distinctive antennae Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 sp. remains very rare in collections (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2017)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Phydanis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w., c., & n. TX / Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Snakeherb - Dyschoriste linearis (Acanthaceae) (Riley & Quinn 2010)
Life History
Larvae probably feed subterraneanly.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phydanis bicolor Horn 1889
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phydanis bicolor. 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 Phydanis bicolor (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phydanis bicolor
What is Phydanis bicolor?
Phydanis bicolor is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Phydanis bicolor?
Males have distinctive antennae Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Phydanis bicolor found?
Range: w., c., & n. TX / Mex. - Map
What does Phydanis bicolor eat?
The diet of the Phydanis bicolor includes Snakeherb - Dyschoriste linearis (Acanthaceae) (Riley & Quinn 2010).
What is the life cycle of a Phydanis bicolor?
Larvae probably feed subterraneanly.