Xanthonia villosula
This record describes Xanthonia villosula (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
ground color of dorsum light reddish brown, usually immaculate (emphasis added) or rarely with faint indications of elytral maculae Riley et al. examined 207 total spmns from east TX
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
e NA (e.TX-GA-QC-SD) - Map ; in Texas, known from the eastern third of the state (emphasis added) , all recent records were collected e. of I-35, the Smithsonian has a series of 23 spmns coll'ed in Dallas Co. from 1907, and coleopterist Charlie Wolfe coll'ed a single spmn in Tarrant Co. in 1981.
Seasonal Activity
April-June in TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: oak associations likely represent true food plants. Some Texas specimens were beaten from Quercus nigra and Q. stellata
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: villosula (L). 'hairy little'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthonia villosula. 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 villosula (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthonia villosula
What is Xanthonia villosula?
Xanthonia villosula is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xanthonia villosula?
length 2.8–3.5 mm
How do you identify Xanthonia villosula?
ground color of dorsum light reddish brown, usually immaculate (emphasis added) or rarely with faint indications of elytral maculae
Where is Xanthonia villosula found?
Range: e NA (e.TX-GA-QC-SD) - Map ; in Texas, known from the eastern third of the state (emphasis added) , all recent records were collected e. of I-35, the Smithsonian has a series of 23 spmns coll'ed in Dallas Co. from 1907, and coleopterist Charlie Wolfe coll'ed a single spmn in Tarrant Co. in 1981.
What does Xanthonia villosula eat?
The diet of the Xanthonia villosula includes oak associations likely represent true food plants. Some Texas specimens were beaten from Quercus nigra and Q. stellata.
When is Xanthonia villosula active?
Xanthonia villosula: seasonal activity - April-June in TX.