Xanthonia vagans
This record describes Xanthonia vagans (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinctive because of large size, greatly enlarged tooth of the anterior femur, clavate anterior tibiae ground color of dorsum medium to dark brownish, elytra usually with vague dark streaks (emphasis added) enhanced by arrangement of variable light and dark colored elytral hairs Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 species originally based on one specimen collected by Gustaf Belfrage in Texas (LeConte 1884), probably from the vicinity of Bosque County where Gustaf Belfrage lived from 1868 to 1882 (Geiser 1948). Riley et al. examined 384 total spmns across the sw.US / Mex.
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
AZ to c. TX / Sonora, Méx. Map , (the Utah record reported by Horn has not been verified )
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: likely a juniper specialist ( Juniperus , Cupressaceae)
Life History
freq. comes to lights
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: vagan (L). 'wandering'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthonia vagans. 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 vagans (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthonia vagans
What is Xanthonia vagans?
Xanthonia vagans is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xanthonia vagans?
Size large, length 3.8–5.2 mm
How do you identify Xanthonia vagans?
distinctive because of large size, greatly enlarged tooth of the anterior femur, clavate anterior tibiae ground color of dorsum medium to dark brownish, elytra usually with vague dark streaks (emphasis added) enhanced by arrangement of variable light and dark colored elytral hairs Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
Where is Xanthonia vagans found?
Range: AZ to c. TX / Sonora, Méx. Map , (the Utah record reported by Horn has not been verified )
What does Xanthonia vagans eat?
The diet of the Xanthonia vagans includes likely a juniper specialist ( Juniperus , Cupressaceae).
When is Xanthonia vagans active?
Xanthonia vagans: seasonal activity - Apr-Aug (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Xanthonia vagans?
freq. comes to lights