Trichochrous fieldii
This record describes Trichochrous fieldii (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Habitat
Relatively common in southern California chaparral/coastal sage scrub communities. (per Adriean Mayor's comment here )
Seasonal Activity
Usually one of the earliest spring species to emerge. Adults can be found in the Riverside area in late February on flowers of Amsinkia . (per Adriean Mayor's comment here )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trichochrous fieldii Blaisdell 1927
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trichochrous fieldii. 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 fieldii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Harsi S. Parker; Additional contributions by v belov