Plocetes versicolor
This record describes Plocetes versicolor (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The darkest scales on the elytra form a broad v-shaped macula Type Locality: Brownsville, Texas (Esperanza Ranch) (Schaeffer 1904) Texas considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Tychiini
- Genus
- Plocetes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Brownsville area) to Belize and Guatemala - Map , , ,
Seasonal Activity
collected in Apr & Oct in TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults collected from crucillo ( Randia rhagocarpa , Rubiaceae) in fruit on clay lomas east of Brownsville, TX, and from fruiting R. thurberi in Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: versicolor (L). 'various color'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Plocetes versicolor. 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 Plocetes versicolor (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Plocetes versicolor
What is Plocetes versicolor?
Plocetes versicolor is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Plocetes versicolor?
2.3-3.5 mm
How do you identify Plocetes versicolor?
The darkest scales on the elytra form a broad v-shaped macula
Where is Plocetes versicolor found?
Range: southmost TX (Brownsville area) to Belize and Guatemala - Map , , ,
What does Plocetes versicolor eat?
The diet of the Plocetes versicolor includes adults collected from crucillo ( Randia rhagocarpa , Rubiaceae) in fruit on clay lomas east of Brownsville, TX, and from fruiting R. thurberi in Mexico.
When is Plocetes versicolor active?
Plocetes versicolor: seasonal activity - collected in Apr & Oct in TX.