Pyrota riherdi
This record describes Pyrota riherdi (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pyrota riherdi Dillon, small range is southernmost TX, was pretty uncommon in collections until about 20 years ago when I was able a couple of times to find them, think I was with Robert Turnbow once, and caught some feeding on a plant one day, but all the rest at light along with P. texana . (Jeffrey Huether, pers. comm. to Robert Androw 12.ix.2021) Type Locality: Edinburg, Hidalgo Co., Texas, September 17, 1951, sweeping Rhodes grass (P. T. Riherd) [A. & M. College of 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
Habitat
mostly endemic to the s. TX coastal sand plains ecoregion
Geographic Range
coastal s. TX (mostly Brooks & Kenedy Counties, also recorded from Cameron and Hidalgo Cos.) (Dillon 1952)(BG data)
Seasonal Activity
Aug-Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pyrota riherdi Dillon 1952
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyrota riherdi. 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 riherdi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Androw; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyrota riherdi
What is Pyrota riherdi?
Pyrota riherdi is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pyrota riherdi?
12 mm (Dillon 1952)
Where is Pyrota riherdi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mostly endemic to the s. TX coastal sand plains ecoregion |
| Range | coastal s. TX (mostly Brooks & Kenedy Counties, also recorded from Cameron and Hidalgo Cos.) (Dillon 1952)(BG data) |
When is Pyrota riherdi active?
Pyrota riherdi: seasonal activity - Aug-Oct.