Xanthonia stevensi
This record describes Xanthonia stevensi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Variable in coloration but usually with head black, becoming dark reddish brown on front; pronotum, elytra, and venter black; legs yellowish brown with femora occasionally fuscous dorsally and apically; specimens ranging from black through dark brown, dark reddish brown to yellowish brown with light reddish brown head and pronotum. This species shows considerable variation in external morphology. Neotype
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
ne.US (IL-KS to QC-NC) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
recorded from Quercus marilandica (Fagaceae), Carya (Juglandaceae), and Prunus (Rosaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xanthonia stevensi Baly, 1863
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthonia stevensi. 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 stevensi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthonia stevensi
What is Xanthonia stevensi?
Xanthonia stevensi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Xanthonia stevensi?
Variable in coloration but usually with head black, becoming dark reddish brown on front; pronotum, elytra, and venter black; legs yellowish brown with femora occasionally fuscous dorsally and apically; specimens ranging from black through dark brown, dark reddish brown to yellowish brown with light reddish brown head and pronotum. This species shows considerable variation in external morphology. Neotype
Where is Xanthonia stevensi found?
Range: ne.US (IL-KS to QC-NC) - Map
What is the life cycle of a Xanthonia stevensi?
recorded from Quercus marilandica (Fagaceae), Carya (Juglandaceae), and Prunus (Rosaceae) ( 4 )