Pyrota invita
This record describes Pyrota invita (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dark head, legs and scutellum Det. E. G. Riley, 2004 Type Locality: near San Antonio, Texas
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
TX, plus OK, NM to Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-July
Diet and Behavior
Life History
reported on Spotted Beebalm ( Monarda punctata , Lamiaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pyrota invita Horn, 1885
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyrota invita. 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 invita (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyrota invita
What is Pyrota invita?
Pyrota invita is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pyrota invita?
8-16 mm
How do you identify Pyrota invita?
dark head, legs and scutellum Det. E. G. Riley, 2004
Where is Pyrota invita found?
Range: TX, plus OK, NM to Mex. - Map
When is Pyrota invita active?
Pyrota invita: seasonal activity - Apr-July.
What is the life cycle of a Pyrota invita?
reported on Spotted Beebalm ( Monarda punctata , Lamiaceae)