Polypria cruxrufa
This record describes Polypria cruxrufa (species). Recorded family: Oedemeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
First reported for the U.S. by Wickham (1898) and Townsend (1902) in Brownsville. ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Oedemeridae (False Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Polypriinae
- Genus
- Polypria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c. TX (Travis Co.) to S. Amer. - Map , most records c. TX to ne Mex.
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Nov (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polypria cruxrufa Chevrolat, 1874
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Polypria cruxrufa. 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 Polypria cruxrufa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Polypria cruxrufa
What is Polypria cruxrufa?
Polypria cruxrufa is a species in the family Oedemeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Polypria cruxrufa?
8 mm long (Wickham 1898)
Where is Polypria cruxrufa found?
Range: c. TX (Travis Co.) to S. Amer. - Map , most records c. TX to ne Mex.
When is Polypria cruxrufa active?
Polypria cruxrufa: seasonal activity - Apr-Nov (BG data).