Syphrea nana
This record describes Syphrea nana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dark, shiny, pronotum with sub-basal crease, irregular (confused) shallow elytral punctations, pale tibia & tarsi, basal antennomeres also pale.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Syphrea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US to w. TX (TX-FL-SC-KS) - Map , uncommon, most records from the Great Plains (other members of this genus are restricted to FL or the SW)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: not listed in Clark et al. (2004) ( 5 ) , but common to abundant on Croton spp. (BG & iNat data), E.G. Riley, pers. observ. Det. E. G. Riley, 2025
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: nana (G). "a dwarf"
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Syphrea nana. 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 Syphrea nana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Syphrea nana
What is Syphrea nana?
Syphrea nana is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Syphrea nana?
dark, shiny, pronotum with sub-basal crease, irregular (confused) shallow elytral punctations, pale tibia & tarsi, basal antennomeres also pale.
Where is Syphrea nana found?
Range: se US to w. TX (TX-FL-SC-KS) - Map , uncommon, most records from the Great Plains (other members of this genus are restricted to FL or the SW)
What does Syphrea nana eat?
The diet of the Syphrea nana includes not listed in Clark et al. (2004) ( 5 ) , but common to abundant on Croton spp. (BG & iNat data), E.G. Riley, pers. observ. Det. E. G. Riley, 2025.