Pyrota insulata
This record describes Pyrota insulata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black elytra with narrow yellow, gold, or orange margins (outer and inner), an apical spot, and a thin longitudinal basal stripe. Legs and abdomen black; head and thorax mostly black with some yellow areas. Amount of black vs. brighter colors is highly variable. southern pattern: northern pattern: Type Locality: First collected along US-Mexico border (LeConte 1858) by Captain John Pope while conducting the US-Mexico Boundary Survey in the early 1850's.
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
SD to ne. Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Jun (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: freq. on Texas Bluebonnet ( Lupinus texensis ) ( 5 ) , also on Honey Mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa ), Rattlesnake Master ( Eryngium yuccafolium ) and others.
Life History
Attracted to lights, occasionally in large numbers
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: insula (L). 'an island'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyrota insulata. 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 insulata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyrota insulata
What is Pyrota insulata?
Pyrota insulata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pyrota insulata?
9-25 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Pyrota insulata?
Black elytra with narrow yellow, gold, or orange margins (outer and inner), an apical spot, and a thin longitudinal basal stripe. Legs and abdomen black; head and thorax mostly black with some yellow areas. Amount of black vs. brighter colors is highly variable. southern pattern: northern pattern:
Where is Pyrota insulata found?
Range: SD to ne. Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Pyrota insulata eat?
The diet of the Pyrota insulata includes freq. on Texas Bluebonnet ( Lupinus texensis ) ( 5 ) , also on Honey Mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa ), Rattlesnake Master ( Eryngium yuccafolium ) and others..
When is Pyrota insulata active?
Pyrota insulata: seasonal activity - Feb-Jun (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Pyrota insulata?
Attracted to lights, occasionally in large numbers