Spectralia robusta
This record describes Spectralia robusta (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Chamberlin was the first to collect a fine series of this species ... near Del Rio, Texas on Diospyros texana Scheele. Per MacRae : This species has been encountered primarily around the Pecos and Devils Rivers west of Del Rio, Texas (Knull 1937, Nelson 1968). An interesting eastern range extension is documented by the following record (approximately 170 miles east of Del Rio): TEXAS, Bexar Co., San Antonio, 2.0 mi SE Loop 1604 on Hwy 151, em. 6.vii-10.viii.l998 ex half-live/half-dead trunk Diospyros texana coll. 5.x. 1997. Vogt did not encounter this species in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, but its occurrence there is confirmed by the following record: TEXAS, Hidalgo Co., Santa Ana NWR, 22.vi.1968, R. L. Heitzman [TCMC, courtesy of R. E. Heitzman].
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Buprestinae
- Tribe
- Xenorhipidini
- Genus
- Spectralia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw, c. to s. TX - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in Texas Persimmon - Diospyros texana (Ebenaceae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Spectralia robusta. 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 Spectralia robusta (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Spectralia robusta
What is Spectralia robusta?
Spectralia robusta is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Spectralia robusta found?
Range: sw, c. to s. TX - Map
What does Spectralia robusta eat?
The diet of the Spectralia robusta includes Larvae in Texas Persimmon - Diospyros texana (Ebenaceae).