Xanthonia picturata
This record describes Xanthonia picturata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Tooth of profemur moderate; venter and legs dark brownish (emphasis added), elytral dark brown with darker pattern Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013 one of the most abundant Xanthonia species in Texas, Riley examined 381 TX 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
Much of c. & e. TX to extreme sc. OK - Map
Seasonal Activity
early March to early June
Diet and Behavior
Diet: has a preference for oak spp., of the 112 specimens taken during the Travis County study , 68% were taken from Texas live oak ( Quercus fusiformis ) and 25% were taken from Texas red oak ( Q. buckleyi ). Other recorded oak associations include, Q. havardii, Q. macrocarpa , and Q. marilandica .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xanthonia picturata Weisman & Riley, 2019
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthonia picturata. 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 picturata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthonia picturata
What is Xanthonia picturata?
Xanthonia picturata is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xanthonia picturata?
length 2.6–3.6 mm
How do you identify Xanthonia picturata?
Tooth of profemur moderate; venter and legs dark brownish (emphasis added), elytral dark brown with darker pattern Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013
Where is Xanthonia picturata found?
Range: Much of c. & e. TX to extreme sc. OK - Map
What does Xanthonia picturata eat?
The diet of the Xanthonia picturata includes has a preference for oak spp., of the 112 specimens taken during the Travis County study , 68% were taken from Texas live oak ( Quercus fusiformis ) and 25% were taken from Texas red oak ( Q. buckleyi ). Other recorded oak associations include, Q. havardii, Q. macrocarpa , and Q. marilandica ..
When is Xanthonia picturata active?
Xanthonia picturata: seasonal activity - early March to early June.