Smaragdina militaris
This record describes Smaragdina militaris (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: One specimen, New Braunfels, Texas, Mr. Lindheimer.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Clytrini
- Genus
- Smaragdina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ to c. TX, + AR-MO / ne. Mex. (NL) - Map , most records from c. TX (Dallas to San Antonio)
Seasonal Activity
Mar-May ( 4 ) (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ Oaks ( Quercus fusiformis , Quercus mohriana ) and also mesquite ( Prosopis ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: militaris (L). 'a soldier'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Smaragdina militaris. 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 Smaragdina militaris (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Maury Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Smaragdina militaris
What is Smaragdina militaris?
Smaragdina militaris is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Smaragdina militaris found?
Range: AZ to c. TX, + AR-MO / ne. Mex. (NL) - Map , most records from c. TX (Dallas to San Antonio)
What does Smaragdina militaris eat?
The diet of the Smaragdina militaris includes asso. w/ Oaks ( Quercus fusiformis , Quercus mohriana ) and also mesquite ( Prosopis ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ).
When is Smaragdina militaris active?
Smaragdina militaris: seasonal activity - Mar-May ( 4 ) (BG data).