Xerasia grisescens
This record describes Xerasia grisescens (species). Recorded family: Byturidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Xerasia grisescens: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xerasia_grisescens.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Byturidae (Fruitworm Beetles)
- Genus
- Xerasia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
associated mainly with oaks ( Quercus ); in CA, from sea level to >7000 ft, from wet coastal locations to very dry areas like Carrizo Plain
Geographic Range
throughout w.NA just about anywhere oaks occur
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed mainly on fungi associated with the trees, though some may feed on oak pollen as well
Life History
Adults emerge during the cooler winter months, and may be abundant through the spring
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xerasia grisescens (Jayne 1882)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xerasia grisescens. 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 Xerasia grisescens (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , kschnei , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Xerasia grisescens
How big is Xerasia grisescens?
4‒5 mm
Where is Xerasia grisescens found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | associated mainly with oaks ( Quercus ); in CA, from sea level to >7000 ft, from wet coastal locations to very dry areas like Carrizo Plain |
| Range | throughout w.NA just about anywhere oaks occur |
What does Xerasia grisescens eat?
The diet of the Xerasia grisescens includes Adults feed mainly on fungi associated with the trees, though some may feed on oak pollen as well.
What is the life cycle of a Xerasia grisescens?
Adults emerge during the cooler winter months, and may be abundant through the spring