Xanthonia dentata
This record describes Xanthonia dentata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dorsal ground color dark reddish brown to medium brownish, elytra with distinct and fairly consistent pattern of black maculae Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 Type Locality: Cloudcroft, New Mex., coll'ed by Wickham 1933. Conserved in the USNM. Riley et al. examined 276 total spmns from AZ to w.TX
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Adoxini
- Genus
- Xanthonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In Texas, restricted to the mountains of the Trans-Pecos region
Geographic Range
AZ to w. TX, CO - Map , + KS(?)
Seasonal Activity
mostly June to August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: regularly taken from oaks, including gray oak - Quercus grisea
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthonia dentata. 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 Xanthonia dentata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthonia dentata
What is Xanthonia dentata?
Xanthonia dentata is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xanthonia dentata?
length 2.8–3.4 mm
How do you identify Xanthonia dentata?
dorsal ground color dark reddish brown to medium brownish, elytra with distinct and fairly consistent pattern of black maculae Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
Where is Xanthonia dentata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In Texas, restricted to the mountains of the Trans-Pecos region |
| Range | AZ to w. TX, CO - Map , + KS(?) |
What does Xanthonia dentata eat?
The diet of the Xanthonia dentata includes regularly taken from oaks, including gray oak - Quercus grisea.
When is Xanthonia dentata active?
Xanthonia dentata: seasonal activity - mostly June to August.