Zabrotes bexarensis
This record describes Zabrotes bexarensis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Vestiture of head white, sparsely distributed; pronotum uniformly white to white intermixed with brown, sometimes patchy; elytra (fig. 137, vol II) ranges from uniformly white to white intermixed with brown to brown with white maculation, maculation usually vaguely defined; pygidium (fig. 138, vol. II) uniformly white or white with evanescent median stripe or gray with brown lateral patches; ventral surfaces uniformly white. Type locality: Texas, Bexar Co. Type depository: CNCI
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Amblycerini
- Genus
- Zabrotes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
not reported outside of its type locality of San Antonio, TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host plants: Vicia sp. and Louisiana vetch ( Vicia ludoviciana (=leavenworthii) , Fabaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zabrotes bexarensis Kingsolver 1990
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zabrotes bexarensis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zabrotes bexarensis
What is Zabrotes bexarensis?
Zabrotes bexarensis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Zabrotes bexarensis?
Body length 1.6–1.9 mm width 1.1–1.5 mm
How do you identify Zabrotes bexarensis?
Vestiture of head white, sparsely distributed; pronotum uniformly white to white intermixed with brown, sometimes patchy; elytra (fig. 137, vol II) ranges from uniformly white to white intermixed with brown to brown with white maculation, maculation usually vaguely defined; pygidium (fig. 138, vol. II) uniformly white or white with evanescent median stripe or gray with brown lateral patches; ventral surfaces uniformly white.
Where is Zabrotes bexarensis found?
Range: not reported outside of its type locality of San Antonio, TX
What does Zabrotes bexarensis eat?
The diet of the Zabrotes bexarensis includes Host plants: Vicia sp. and Louisiana vetch ( Vicia ludoviciana (=leavenworthii) , Fabaceae).