Urodera crucifera
This record describes Urodera crucifera (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality of Urodera texana : Fort Brown, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Clytrini
- Genus
- Urodera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. Tex / s. Mex , plus s. CA to w. TX - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults are associated with Caesalpinaceae and Mimosaceae (Fabaceae). (Moldenke 1970) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Urodera crucifera Lacordaire, 1848
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Urodera crucifera. 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 Urodera crucifera (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Urodera crucifera
What is Urodera crucifera?
Urodera crucifera is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Urodera crucifera?
Length (from apex of prothorax to apex of elytra) 6 mm., width 4.25 mm. (Schaeffer 1919)
Where is Urodera crucifera found?
Range: s. Tex / s. Mex , plus s. CA to w. TX - Map
What does Urodera crucifera eat?
The diet of the Urodera crucifera includes Adults are associated with Caesalpinaceae and Mimosaceae (Fabaceae). (Moldenke 1970) ( 4 ).