Poecilocera harrisii
This record describes Poecilocera harrisii (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Donaciinae
- Tribe
- Plateumarini
- Genus
- Poecilocera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NJ-NH-NY, (PA, MI?) Most records from along the Atlantic coast, see Askevold for map
Seasonal Activity
mostly May to July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host records include Carex (Cyperaceae), Askevold (1990) also suggests Scirpus (Cyperaceae) ( 4 )
Life History
very little known about its biology ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym for Thaddeus William Harris (1795 – 1856), from whom LeConte obtained the type specimens
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Poecilocera harrisii. 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 Poecilocera harrisii (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Poecilocera harrisii
How big is Poecilocera harrisii?
Length. Males: 6.90 - 7.74 mm, females: 8.23 - 8.64 mm
Where is Poecilocera harrisii found?
Range: NJ-NH-NY, (PA, MI?) Most records from along the Atlantic coast, see Askevold for map
What does Poecilocera harrisii eat?
The diet of the Poecilocera harrisii includes host records include Carex (Cyperaceae), Askevold (1990) also suggests Scirpus (Cyperaceae) ( 4 ).
When is Poecilocera harrisii active?
Poecilocera harrisii: seasonal activity - mostly May to July.
What is the life cycle of a Poecilocera harrisii?
very little known about its biology ( 4 )