Xanthonia hirsuta
This record describes Xanthonia hirsuta (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
separated from the other spp. occurring in the US by the longer and denser elytral pubescence (emphasis added). That on the elytra is all decumbent, laying close to the elytral surface, and the hairs arising from the punctures are as long as those arising from the intervals. Dets. E. G. Riley Type Locality: Dallas, TX Riley examined 865 total spmns, mostly from 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
Geographic Range
se. NM to Brazos R., TX, se. CO - Map , Primarily on the Edwards Plateau west to the Davis, Chisos, and Guadalupe Mountains in Texas, se New Mexico, and extreme se Colorado (Baca County).
Seasonal Activity
early spring through early June, but some are from the fall and winter months (emphasis added), indicating that unlike other Texas Xanthonia species, at least some emergence occurs prior to the spring warming. During the Travis County study, more specimens were taken during March than during subsequent months.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Juniperus , mostly Ashe Juniper ( Juniperus ashei , Cupressaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xanthonia hirsuta Weisman, 2019
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthonia hirsuta. 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 hirsuta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthonia hirsuta
What is Xanthonia hirsuta?
Xanthonia hirsuta is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xanthonia hirsuta?
length 3.0–3.5 mm
How do you identify Xanthonia hirsuta?
separated from the other spp. occurring in the US by the longer and denser elytral pubescence (emphasis added). That on the elytra is all decumbent, laying close to the elytral surface, and the hairs arising from the punctures are as long as those arising from the intervals. Dets. E. G. Riley
Where is Xanthonia hirsuta found?
Range: se. NM to Brazos R., TX, se. CO - Map , Primarily on the Edwards Plateau west to the Davis, Chisos, and Guadalupe Mountains in Texas, se New Mexico, and extreme se Colorado (Baca County).
What does Xanthonia hirsuta eat?
The diet of the Xanthonia hirsuta includes Juniperus , mostly Ashe Juniper ( Juniperus ashei , Cupressaceae).
When is Xanthonia hirsuta active?
Xanthonia hirsuta: seasonal activity - early spring through early June, but some are from the fall and winter months (emphasis added), indicating that unlike other Texas Xanthonia species, at least some emergence occurs prior to the spring warming. During the Travis County study, more specimens were taken during March than during subsequent months..