Griburius rileyi

Distinguished from other Griburius species by its bold spotted elytral pattern. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light, facilitating detection. As a member of the Clytrini tribe, larvae construct portable cases from fecal material and plant debris, though this trait is not unique to the species.

Oak woodlands and montane forest habitats. Associated with Quercus species and other woody vegetation typical of southwestern North American oak communities.

Southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico; specifically recorded from montane oak woodlands in Arizona and New Mexico. The type material was collected in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona.

Adults have been recorded in late spring to early summer (May-June), with peak activity likely corresponding to oak foliage flush. Attracted to blacklights during evening hours.

• Quercus - associationAdults found in oak woodlands; larval host unconfirmed but likely oak foliage given genus-level associations.

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to ultraviolet light sources. This behavior has been documented at blacklight setups in montane oak-pine woodlands, where individuals were observed alongside other cryptocephaline leaf beetles.

As a leaf beetle, likely functions as a folivore in oak woodland ecosystems. The genus-level association with oaks suggests a role in nutrient cycling through leaf consumption, though specific ecological impacts of this species are undocumented.

Named in honor of Edward Riley, recognizing his substantial contributions to beetle taxonomy and collecting. The species serves as an example of eponymous nomenclature in entomology, where the specific epithet 'rileyi' commemorates a respected coleopterist.

• Griburius montezumaCongener with similar habitat preferences in montane southwestern North America; distinguished by elytral pattern and possibly allopatric distribution.
• Other Griburius speciesGenus-level similarities in morphology and behavior; G. rileyi specifically distinguished by bold spotted elytral pattern.

• leaf beetle
• Chrysomelidae
• Cryptocephalinae
• Clytrini
• oak-associated
• nocturnal
• blacklight-attracted
• southwestern North America
• 2023 description
• eponymous nomenclature

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Acanthaceae | Beetles In The Bush
• It’s a Mayfly…It’s a Moth…It’s Thyridopteryx | Beetles In The Bush
• Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Neorileya
• Recent literature – The Coleopterists Bulletin | Beetles In The Bush
• Curious Scientific Names Can Make Insects Famous