Xanthonia furcata
This record describes Xanthonia furcata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
species can be tricky to identify without reference to the male genitalia; femora often with conspicuous dark spot at midlength (emphasis added) Det. E. G. Riely, 2012 Holotype: Union, Union Co., Illinois - 3 Mar 1937 - Wild cherry foliage Riley examined 43 spmns from Oklahoma (Marshall Co.) and ne.Texas.
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
Geographic Range
e. Plains (ne.TX, sc.OK, MO, IL) - Map , TX records from Fannin, Lamar, and Wood counties, OK is an apparent NSR
Seasonal Activity
Apr-May in TX & OK
Diet and Behavior
Diet: collection records from Oklahoma are from oak ( Quercus )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xanthonia furcata Staines & Weisman 2001
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthonia furcata. 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 furcata (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthonia furcata
What is Xanthonia furcata?
Xanthonia furcata is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xanthonia furcata?
length 2.8–3.5 mm
How do you identify Xanthonia furcata?
species can be tricky to identify without reference to the male genitalia; femora often with conspicuous dark spot at midlength (emphasis added) Det. E. G. Riely, 2012
Where is Xanthonia furcata found?
Range: e. Plains (ne.TX, sc.OK, MO, IL) - Map , TX records from Fannin, Lamar, and Wood counties, OK is an apparent NSR
What does Xanthonia furcata eat?
The diet of the Xanthonia furcata includes collection records from Oklahoma are from oak ( Quercus ).
When is Xanthonia furcata active?
Xanthonia furcata: seasonal activity - Apr-May in TX & OK.