Lacey Oak Xanthonia
Xanthonia parva
This record describes Xanthonia parva (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dorsal ground color light to medium reddish brown, immaculate or nearly so Type Locality: TEXAS: Kerr Co., Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Spring Trap, IV-24-2005, Coll. E. G. Riley, beating Quercus glaucoides Paratypes. (18 total) TEXAS: Kerr Co., same data as holotype [10 total, EGRC, TAMU, USNM]; same locality as holotype, IV-25-1992, E. G. Riley [5 EGRC]; Kerrville, VI-5-1956, H. & A. Howden [1 USNM]; Burnet Co., 11.8 km. W Bertram, V-22-1989, R. S. Anderson [2 TAMU].
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
known from Kerr & Burnet counties of the Edwards Plateau of c. TX
Seasonal Activity
April-May
Diet and Behavior
Diet: type series beaten from Lacey oak, Quercus laceyi (long-known in Texas as Quercus glaucoides ).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xanthonia parva Riley & Quinn, 2019
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthonia parva. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lacey Oak Xanthonia
What is Lacey Oak Xanthonia?
Lacey Oak Xanthonia (Xanthonia parva) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lacey Oak Xanthonia?
Size small, length 2.1–2.7 mm
How do you identify Lacey Oak Xanthonia?
dorsal ground color light to medium reddish brown, immaculate or nearly so
Where is Lacey Oak Xanthonia found?
Range: known from Kerr & Burnet counties of the Edwards Plateau of c. TX
What does Lacey Oak Xanthonia eat?
The diet of the Lacey Oak Xanthonia includes type series beaten from Lacey oak, Quercus laceyi (long-known in Texas as Quercus glaucoides )..
When is Lacey Oak Xanthonia active?
Lacey Oak Xanthonia: seasonal activity - April-May.