Plagiodera thymaloides
This record describes Plagiodera thymaloides (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Texas considers this a SGCN ( 5 )
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Plagiodera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae and adults feed in Brush-holly - Xylosma flexuosa (Flacourtiaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plagiodera thymaloides Stål 1860
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Plagiodera thymaloides. 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 Plagiodera thymaloides (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tom Bentley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiodera thymaloides
What is Plagiodera thymaloides?
Plagiodera thymaloides is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Plagiodera thymaloides?
body length: 4.25-4.8 mm
How do you identify Plagiodera thymaloides?
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Plagiodera thymaloides found?
Range: southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos.) / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map
What does Plagiodera thymaloides eat?
The diet of the Plagiodera thymaloides includes Larvae and adults feed in Brush-holly - Xylosma flexuosa (Flacourtiaceae) ( 4 ).
When is Plagiodera thymaloides active?
Plagiodera thymaloides: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October..