Pyrota nigrovittata
This record describes Pyrota nigrovittata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
lateral pronotal black spots, plus a pair of interocular black spots In 1957 Selander described Pyrota bicurvata . In 1963 he synonymized bicurvata with nigrovittata . For US records of nigrovittata one has to refer to the 1957 description of bicurvata where a few S. Texas records are given (Brownsville, Corpus Christi, etc.). He gives the distribution as Gulf Coast from Texas to eastern San Luis Potosi. (J. D. Pinto, pers. comm. 2014) First recorded in the US in Brownsville area by Schaeffer.
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
Corpus Christi, TX to San Luis Potosi, Mex.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyrota nigrovittata. 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 nigrovittata (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyrota nigrovittata
What is Pyrota nigrovittata?
Pyrota nigrovittata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pyrota nigrovittata?
Length: 7-17 mm
How do you identify Pyrota nigrovittata?
lateral pronotal black spots, plus a pair of interocular black spots
Where is Pyrota nigrovittata found?
Range: Corpus Christi, TX to San Luis Potosi, Mex.