Xanthonia querci
This record describes Xanthonia querci (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dorsal ground color light to medium reddish brown with pattern of darker maculae, venter of body dark brown to black; pubescence of elytra composed of reclined hairs on intervals in singles rows and appressed hairs arising from punctures shorter than erect hairs; ventral tooth of profemur minute. can be tricky to identify without reference to the male genitalia. The pattern of dark maculation, when well developed, can be helpful, and the dark knees of the legs are unique (emphasis added), but this attribute is often variably expressed and is absent from some light-colored individuals. The alignment of elytral disc punctures is variable with some individuals displaying fairly regular rows. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2019 Type Locality: Texas: Dallas Co. Dallas, IV-14-1907, F. C. Bishop, on Quercus sp. [holotype and 1 paratype USNM]; this sp. hasn't been recorded in n.TX since 1910 Riley examined 113 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
mostly sw.Edwards Plateau, TX, uncommon along I-35 corridor
Seasonal Activity
Mar-May
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on Texas live oak ( Quercus fusiformis ) in Crockett, Kinney, and Val Verde counties.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xanthonia querci Weisman, 2019
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthonia querci. 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 querci (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthonia querci
What is Xanthonia querci?
Xanthonia querci is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xanthonia querci?
length 2.5–2.8 mm
How do you identify Xanthonia querci?
dorsal ground color light to medium reddish brown with pattern of darker maculae, venter of body dark brown to black; pubescence of elytra composed of reclined hairs on intervals in singles rows and appressed hairs arising from punctures shorter than erect hairs; ventral tooth of profemur minute. can be tricky to identify without reference to the male genitalia. The pattern of dark maculation, when well developed, can be helpful, and the dark knees of the legs are unique (emphasis added), but this attribute is often variably expressed and is absent from some light-colored individuals. The alignment of elytral disc punctures is variable with some individuals displaying fairly regular rows. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2019
Where is Xanthonia querci found?
Range: mostly sw.Edwards Plateau, TX, uncommon along I-35 corridor
What does Xanthonia querci eat?
The diet of the Xanthonia querci includes on Texas live oak ( Quercus fusiformis ) in Crockett, Kinney, and Val Verde counties..
When is Xanthonia querci active?
Xanthonia querci: seasonal activity - Mar-May.