Pyrota terrestris
This record describes Pyrota terrestris (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
very distinctive species, easily recognized by its color pattern , very shiny and smooth elytra, the form of its hind tibial spurs, and other characters. only one spmn on GBIF, which was part of the original type series from Durango, Mex.
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
se.AZ (Cochise Co.) to sw.NM (Hidalgo Co.) / nw.Mex. (Durango) , uncommon
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: food plants of the adults are Chamaesaracha , Quincula (=Physalis) lobata (both Solanaceae), and an unidentified mallow (Malvaceae). The first of these plants seems to be preferred by the beetles.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pyrota terrestris Selander, 1963
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyrota terrestris. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyrota terrestris
What is Pyrota terrestris?
Pyrota terrestris is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pyrota terrestris?
6.5-15 mm
How do you identify Pyrota terrestris?
very distinctive species, easily recognized by its color pattern , very shiny and smooth elytra, the form of its hind tibial spurs, and other characters.
Where is Pyrota terrestris found?
Range: se.AZ (Cochise Co.) to sw.NM (Hidalgo Co.) / nw.Mex. (Durango) , uncommon
What does Pyrota terrestris eat?
The diet of the Pyrota terrestris includes food plants of the adults are Chamaesaracha , Quincula (=Physalis) lobata (both Solanaceae), and an unidentified mallow (Malvaceae). The first of these plants seems to be preferred by the beetles..
When is Pyrota terrestris active?
Pyrota terrestris: seasonal activity - Jul-Aug.