Scelolyperus torquatus
This record describes Scelolyperus torquatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Scelolyperus torquatus is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae.
Wikipedia reference for Scelolyperus torquatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scelolyperus torquatus.
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-AZ / Mex. - Map , most records c. to s. coastal Calif.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: per Gilbert & Andrews (1999), it is found most frequently on Ceanothus (Rhamnaceae) and Adenostoma (Rosaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scelolyperus torquatus (J.L. LeConte 1884)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scelolyperus torquatus. 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 torquatus (4)
Photo credits: (c) Thomas Everest, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Everest | (c) Thomas Everest, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Thomas Everest | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Scelolyperus torquatus
What is Scelolyperus torquatus?
Scelolyperus torquatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Scelolyperus torquatus?
2.9-4.7 mm
Where is Scelolyperus torquatus found?
Range: BC-CA-AZ / Mex. - Map , most records c. to s. coastal Calif.
What does Scelolyperus torquatus eat?
The diet of the Scelolyperus torquatus includes per Gilbert & Andrews (1999), it is found most frequently on Ceanothus (Rhamnaceae) and Adenostoma (Rosaceae) ( 4 ).