Xanthonia nitida
This record describes Xanthonia nitida (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dorsal ground color dark brown to nearly black, without obvious pattern (emphasis added) of maculae, venter dark brown to black; elytral hairs composed of erect hairs in single rows on intervals and appressed hairs arising from punctures nearly as long as erect hairs; ventral tooth of profemur minute to obsolete. Riley examined 186 total spmns
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
w. to c.TX - Map , from Pecos Co. to Travis & Bexar counties, plus a short historical series coll'ed in 1907 from Dallas Co.
Seasonal Activity
late March to late May
Diet and Behavior
Diet: abundant on Quercus buckleyi, Q. mohriana and Q. vaseyana ; also on Q. fusiformis
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xanthonia nitida Weisman, 2019
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthonia nitida. 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 nitida (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthonia nitida
What is Xanthonia nitida?
Xanthonia nitida is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xanthonia nitida?
length 2.8–3.0 mm
How do you identify Xanthonia nitida?
dorsal ground color dark brown to nearly black, without obvious pattern (emphasis added) of maculae, venter dark brown to black; elytral hairs composed of erect hairs in single rows on intervals and appressed hairs arising from punctures nearly as long as erect hairs; ventral tooth of profemur minute to obsolete.
Where is Xanthonia nitida found?
Range: w. to c.TX - Map , from Pecos Co. to Travis & Bexar counties, plus a short historical series coll'ed in 1907 from Dallas Co.
What does Xanthonia nitida eat?
The diet of the Xanthonia nitida includes abundant on Quercus buckleyi, Q. mohriana and Q. vaseyana ; also on Q. fusiformis.
When is Xanthonia nitida active?
Xanthonia nitida: seasonal activity - late March to late May.