Pleuropasta mirabilis
This record describes Pleuropasta mirabilis (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pleuropasta mirabilis (Pleuropasta mirabilis) is a species in the family Meloidae, commonly known as blister beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Meloinae, tribe Eupomphini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Tenebrionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Pleuropasta. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 6-13 mm. It is found in deserts. Active during When food plants are in flower; generally before May in the low deserts (Colorado Desert, a subregion of the Sonora Desert; see map ), May-July in the high deserts of the Great Basin.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Tribe
- Eupomphini
- Genus
- Pleuropasta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
deserts
Geographic Range
CA-NV-AZ / nw Mex. - Map from nw. NV along the w. edge of the Great Basin through the Mojave and Colorado deserts to Baja California Sur
Seasonal Activity
When food plants are in flower; generally before May in the low deserts (Colorado Desert, a subregion of the Sonora Desert; see map ), May-July in the high deserts of the Great Basin
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults feed on Boraginaceae ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pleuropasta mirabilis. 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 Pleuropasta mirabilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pleuropasta mirabilis
What is Pleuropasta mirabilis?
Pleuropasta mirabilis is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pleuropasta mirabilis?
6-13 mm
Where is Pleuropasta mirabilis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | deserts |
| Range | CA-NV-AZ / nw Mex. - Map from nw. NV along the w. edge of the Great Basin through the Mojave and Colorado deserts to Baja California Sur |
What does Pleuropasta mirabilis eat?
The diet of the Pleuropasta mirabilis includes adults feed on Boraginaceae ( 3 ).
When is Pleuropasta mirabilis active?
Pleuropasta mirabilis: seasonal activity - When food plants are in flower; generally before May in the low deserts (Colorado Desert, a subregion of the Sonora Desert; see map ), May-July in the high deserts of the Great Basin.