Stator beali
This record describes Stator beali (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body black except each elytron mostly red with black basal and sutural borders Closely resembles S. limbatus but differs in the yellow dorsal vestiture, prosternum separating the procoxae, the lateral elytral macula reaching 5th or 6th stria. Type locality: Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX Both Merobruchus major and Stator beali are seed predators of Ebenopsis (=Pithecellobium) ebano ; however, S. beali also attacks other species of Ebenopsis whereas M. major is an obligate predator of E. ebano .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Stator (Seed Beetle)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Starr to Cameron Co.) / Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Texas ebony ( Ebenopsis (=Pithecellobium) ebano , Fabaceae)
Life History
Eggs are laid on ripe seeds within the pod (up to 25 eggs deposited at one time by a female on a single seed) ; laying eggs in clutches is unusual for a seed beetle (Fox & Mousseau 1995b)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stator beali Johnson, 1963
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stator beali. 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 Stator beali (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Stator beali
What is Stator beali?
Stator beali is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Stator beali?
length 2.1–2.8 mm; width 1.6–2.1 mm
How do you identify Stator beali?
Body black except each elytron mostly red with black basal and sutural borders Closely resembles S. limbatus but differs in the yellow dorsal vestiture, prosternum separating the procoxae, the lateral elytral macula reaching 5th or 6th stria.
Where is Stator beali found?
Range: southmost TX (Starr to Cameron Co.) / Mex. - Map
What does Stator beali eat?
The diet of the Stator beali includes Texas ebony ( Ebenopsis (=Pithecellobium) ebano , Fabaceae).
What is the life cycle of a Stator beali?
Eggs are laid on ripe seeds within the pod (up to 25 eggs deposited at one time by a female on a single seed) ; laying eggs in clutches is unusual for a seed beetle (Fox & Mousseau 1995b)