Tegrodera erosa
This record describes Tegrodera erosa (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Separated geographically from T. aloga by Colorado Desert . The medial black stripe (across the middle of the elytra) that is present in the other two species of Tegrodera is much shorter (front-to-back) and less pronounced in T. erosa , and often is reduced to small spots or even absent.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Tribe
- Eupomphini
- Genus
- Tegrodera (Iron Cross Blister Beetle)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
T. e. erosa in so. CA, another subspecies in Baja
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tegrodera erosa LeConte 1851
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tegrodera erosa. 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 Tegrodera erosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tegrodera erosa
What is Tegrodera erosa?
Tegrodera erosa is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Tegrodera erosa?
Separated geographically from T. aloga by Colorado Desert . The medial black stripe (across the middle of the elytra) that is present in the other two species of Tegrodera is much shorter (front-to-back) and less pronounced in T. erosa , and often is reduced to small spots or even absent.
Where is Tegrodera erosa found?
Range: T. e. erosa in so. CA, another subspecies in Baja