Spintherophyta violaceipennis
This record describes Spintherophyta violaceipennis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the elytra with a violaceous tinge inclining to cupreous (Horn 1892) Type Locality: Collected in Arizona, precise locality unknown, but from the southern part.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Eumolpini
- Genus
- Spintherophyta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA to se AZ / n. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
July-Aug (BG data) ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Quercus, Salix, Juniperus, Pinus ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: violaceipennis (L) 'violet wings'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Spintherophyta violaceipennis. 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 Spintherophyta violaceipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Spintherophyta violaceipennis
What is Spintherophyta violaceipennis?
Spintherophyta violaceipennis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Spintherophyta violaceipennis?
3.75 - 4.5 mm (Horn 1892)
How do you identify Spintherophyta violaceipennis?
the elytra with a violaceous tinge inclining to cupreous (Horn 1892)
Where is Spintherophyta violaceipennis found?
Range: CA to se AZ / n. Mex. - Map
What does Spintherophyta violaceipennis eat?
The diet of the Spintherophyta violaceipennis includes Quercus, Salix, Juniperus, Pinus ( 4 ).
When is Spintherophyta violaceipennis active?
Spintherophyta violaceipennis: seasonal activity - July-Aug (BG data) ( 3 ).