Xenochalepus chapuisi
This record describes Xenochalepus chapuisi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
- First US record Det. E. G. Riley, 2026 Type Locality: Oaxaca, México (Sallé)
Identification notes
- First US record Det. E. G. Riley, 2026
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Chalepini
- Genus
- Xenochalepus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Low tropical semideciduous forest
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo Co.) / e. Mex. to C. Amer. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Nissolia fruticosa (Fabaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xenochalepus (Neochalepus) chapuisi (Baly)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xenochalepus chapuisi. 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 Xenochalepus chapuisi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xenochalepus chapuisi
What is Xenochalepus chapuisi?
Xenochalepus chapuisi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Xenochalepus chapuisi?
- First US record Det. E. G. Riley, 2026
Where is Xenochalepus chapuisi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Low tropical semideciduous forest |
| Range | southmost TX (Hidalgo Co.) / e. Mex. to C. Amer. - Map |
What does Xenochalepus chapuisi eat?
The diet of the Xenochalepus chapuisi includes Nissolia fruticosa (Fabaceae).