Pyrota discoidea
This record describes Pyrota discoidea (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pale head, legs and scutellum Det. E. G. Riley, 2004 Type Locality: Platte River
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
KS-TX - Map , also the Badlands in SD -
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-May in the south , and May-Jul in the north
Diet and Behavior
Diet: feeds on blooms of winecup ( Callirhoe involucrata , Malvaceae) , and secondarily on Berlandier's Sundrops ( Oenothera berlandieri (= Calylophus berlandieri , = Oenothera capillifolia ), Onagraceae) also on Opuntia in the north
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pyrota discoidea LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyrota discoidea. 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 discoidea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , I Fox
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyrota discoidea
What is Pyrota discoidea?
Pyrota discoidea is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pyrota discoidea?
6.5-11 mm
How do you identify Pyrota discoidea?
pale head, legs and scutellum Det. E. G. Riley, 2004
Where is Pyrota discoidea found?
Range: KS-TX - Map , also the Badlands in SD -
What does Pyrota discoidea eat?
The diet of the Pyrota discoidea includes feeds on blooms of winecup ( Callirhoe involucrata , Malvaceae) , and secondarily on Berlandier's Sundrops ( Oenothera berlandieri (= Calylophus berlandieri , = Oenothera capillifolia ), Onagraceae) also on Opuntia in the north.
When is Pyrota discoidea active?
Pyrota discoidea: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-May in the south , and May-Jul in the north.