Xenomelanophila miranda
This record describes Xenomelanophila miranda (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This beetle only oviposits in smoldering wood, meaning it is only seen during forest fires - a place where one rarely finds entomologists. Firefighters know them by a fairly colorful name; stumpf***ers. They have special infrared sensors on their bellies to home in on the hot spots. Remarkably, there's a wood wasp - Syntexis libocedrii - that does basically the same thing, but only oviposits in burning incense cedar. That wasp is the only member of its family, and apparently the most primitive of all living Hymenoptera, a true living fossil. (Doug Yanega, June 28, 2010)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Buprestinae
- Tribe
- Melanophilini
- Genus
- Xenomelanophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w US (CA-wTX-CO-WA) / Mex. - Map Type Locality: NM, Fort Union
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae host in western juniper - Juniperus occidentalis (Cupressaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: mira (L). 'wonderful'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xenomelanophila miranda. 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 Xenomelanophila miranda (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Xenomelanophila miranda
What is Xenomelanophila miranda?
Xenomelanophila miranda is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xenomelanophila miranda?
17 mm (Type)
Where is Xenomelanophila miranda found?
Range: w US (CA-wTX-CO-WA) / Mex. - Map Type Locality: NM, Fort Union
What does Xenomelanophila miranda eat?
The diet of the Xenomelanophila miranda includes Larvae host in western juniper - Juniperus occidentalis (Cupressaceae).