Sennius guttifer
This record describes Sennius guttifer (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 – first USA record not reported in Kingsolver
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Sennius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX to C. Amer. (Johnson and Kingsolver 1973)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reared from the seeds of Cassia bicapsularis but never in large numbers. (Johnson and Kingsolver 1973) Current name: Senna bicapsularis (Fabaceae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sennius guttifer. 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 Sennius guttifer (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Sennius guttifer
What is Sennius guttifer?
Sennius guttifer is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sennius guttifer?
Length (pronotum-elytra) 1.9-2.7 mm. Width 1.3-2.0 mm. Maximum thoracic depth 1.0-1.6 mm. (Johnson and Kingsolver 1973)
How do you identify Sennius guttifer?
Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 – first USA record
Where is Sennius guttifer found?
Range: southmost TX to C. Amer. (Johnson and Kingsolver 1973)
What does Sennius guttifer eat?
The diet of the Sennius guttifer includes Reared from the seeds of Cassia bicapsularis but never in large numbers. (Johnson and Kingsolver 1973) Current name: Senna bicapsularis (Fabaceae).