Trichochrous erythropus
This record describes Trichochrous erythropus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
a common spring species in South Texas, the Hill Country, and the Llano Estacado Det. M. L. Gimmel, 2022
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Melyridae (Soft-winged Flower Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dasytinae
- Tribe
- Listrini
- Genus
- Trichochrous
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c. NM to c. TX, w. OK (BG data), mostly c.TX
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-May
Diet and Behavior
Diet: In c. TX, found primarily on Texas Red Oak ( Quercus buckleyi , Fagaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: (L). 'Having reddish feet'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trichochrous erythropus. 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 Trichochrous erythropus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Trichochrous erythropus
What is Trichochrous erythropus?
Trichochrous erythropus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Trichochrous erythropus?
a common spring species in South Texas, the Hill Country, and the Llano Estacado Det. M. L. Gimmel, 2022
Where is Trichochrous erythropus found?
Range: c. NM to c. TX, w. OK (BG data), mostly c.TX
What does Trichochrous erythropus eat?
The diet of the Trichochrous erythropus includes In c. TX, found primarily on Texas Red Oak ( Quercus buckleyi , Fagaceae) ( 3 ).
When is Trichochrous erythropus active?
Trichochrous erythropus: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-May.