Xanthonia texana
This record describes Xanthonia texana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
ground color of dorsum light reddish brown, elytra ranging from immaculate to a pattern of well-defined brownish to black maculae (emphasis added) (Figs 8, 76), venter of body brownish to distinctly darkened or partially black; pubescence of elytra composed of erect hairs on intervals in single lines and smaller appressed hairs arising from punctures nearly as long as erect hairs; ventral tooth of profemur minute to obsolete can be difficult to identify without reference to the male genitalia. Its pattern of dark maculation, when well developed, differs slightly from similar species. - PARATYPE Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Type Locality: Victoria, TX, 3-30-10, WDPierce & JDMitchell collectors, sweeping herbage
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
Habitat
primarily the post oak savanna and blackland prairie regions of east-central Texas, but extending well into the western portion of the Edwards Plateau
Geographic Range
c. TX - Map , 1137 spmns examined (emphasis added) from Val Verde to Houston to Ft. Worth
Seasonal Activity
March to August in TX , mostly April in CenTex
Diet and Behavior
Diet: mostly on cedar elm - Ulmus crassifolia ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xanthonia texana Weisman, 2019
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthonia texana. 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 texana (9)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthonia texana
What is Xanthonia texana?
Xanthonia texana is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xanthonia texana?
length 2.5–3.4 mm
How do you identify Xanthonia texana?
ground color of dorsum light reddish brown, elytra ranging from immaculate to a pattern of well-defined brownish to black maculae (emphasis added) (Figs 8, 76), venter of body brownish to distinctly darkened or partially black; pubescence of elytra composed of erect hairs on intervals in single lines and smaller appressed hairs arising from punctures nearly as long as erect hairs; ventral tooth of profemur minute to obsolete can be difficult to identify without reference to the male genitalia. Its pattern of dark maculation, when well developed, differs slightly from similar species. - PARATYPE Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Xanthonia texana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | primarily the post oak savanna and blackland prairie regions of east-central Texas, but extending well into the western portion of the Edwards Plateau |
| Range | c. TX - Map , 1137 spmns examined (emphasis added) from Val Verde to Houston to Ft. Worth |
What does Xanthonia texana eat?
The diet of the Xanthonia texana includes mostly on cedar elm - Ulmus crassifolia ( 3 ).
When is Xanthonia texana active?
Xanthonia texana: seasonal activity - March to August in TX , mostly April in CenTex.