Metaparia viridimicans
(Horn, 1892)
Metaparia viridimicans is a small leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, Eumolpinae. It is native to the southwestern United States and central Mexico. The was described by George Henry Horn in 1892. Like other members of its , it likely exhibits metallic coloration typical of many Eumolpinae beetles.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Metaparia viridimicans: /mɛtəˈpɛəriə vɪˌrɪdɪˈmaɪˌkænz/
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Identification
Members of Metaparia are small, globular leaf beetles with metallic coloration, often green, blue, or coppery. They can be distinguished from the similar Spintherophyta by subtle structural features of the and body shape; Metaparia generally have less strongly modified antennomeres. Definitive identification to species level requires examination of male genitalia and other microscopic characters.
Distribution
United States (New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico (Michoacán, Morelos, Tamaulipas).
Similar Taxa
- Spintherophyta globosaBoth are small, globular, metallic Eumolpinae beetles with similar overall appearance; Spintherophyta were historically confused with Metaparia, and some species were transferred between these based on antennal structure and genitalia.
- Chrysodina semiaurataHistorically placed in the same group as Metaparia; these South American share the small, rounded, metallic body form and were subject to extensive taxonomic revision that separated them from Metaparia.
More Details
Taxonomic History
The Metaparia was established through revision of the Eumolpinae by Wills Flowers in 1996, who transferred from Spintherophyta and related genera based on morphological characters. The South American species formerly in Chrysodina were moved to Spintherophyta, while Metaparia received species from other lineages. This complex taxonomic history means older literature may reference this species under different generic combinations.