Pyrota akhurstiana
This record describes Pyrota akhurstiana (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Shiny, brick red and black, the elytra black, each completely margined with brick red (last couplet)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Genus
- Pyrota
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ to w. TX / nw. Mex. - Map , abundant in AZ-NM
Seasonal Activity
July-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Food includes alfalfa in New Mexico
Life History
common on mesquite ( Prosopis )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pyrota akhurstiana Horn 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyrota akhurstiana. 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 Pyrota akhurstiana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyrota akhurstiana
What is Pyrota akhurstiana?
Pyrota akhurstiana is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pyrota akhurstiana?
12-21 mm
How do you identify Pyrota akhurstiana?
Shiny, brick red and black, the elytra black, each completely margined with brick red (last couplet)
Where is Pyrota akhurstiana found?
Range: AZ to w. TX / nw. Mex. - Map , abundant in AZ-NM
What does Pyrota akhurstiana eat?
The diet of the Pyrota akhurstiana includes Food includes alfalfa in New Mexico.
When is Pyrota akhurstiana active?
Pyrota akhurstiana: seasonal activity - July-Aug.
What is the life cycle of a Pyrota akhurstiana?
common on mesquite ( Prosopis )