Scelolyperus schwarzii
This record describes Scelolyperus schwarzii (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Hind tibiae of male strongly curved (an arc of about 40°) AND pronotum as metallic as elytra; in females, an indication of that curvature also perceptible. Frontlegs partly pale.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Luperini
- Genus
- Scelolyperus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
BC-CA, south to Monterey Co., east to MT-WY
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scelolyperus schwarzii Horn 1893
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scelolyperus schwarzii. 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 Scelolyperus schwarzii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Scelolyperus schwarzii
What is Scelolyperus schwarzii?
Scelolyperus schwarzii is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Scelolyperus schwarzii?
4-6 mm
How do you identify Scelolyperus schwarzii?
Hind tibiae of male strongly curved (an arc of about 40°) AND pronotum as metallic as elytra; in females, an indication of that curvature also perceptible. Frontlegs partly pale.
Where is Scelolyperus schwarzii found?
Range: BC-CA, south to Monterey Co., east to MT-WY