Acalymma blandulum
This record describes Acalymma blandulum (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pale below Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Type Locality: New Mexico
Identification notes
pale below Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Luperini
- Genus
- Acalymma (Cucumber Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ-TX-NE-CO / Mex. - Map , uncommon
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Cucurbita spp. (Cucurbitaceae) ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acalymma blandulum. 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 Acalymma blandulum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Acalymma blandulum
What is Acalymma blandulum?
Acalymma blandulum is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Acalymma blandulum?
pale below Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Acalymma blandulum found?
Range: AZ-TX-NE-CO / Mex. - Map , uncommon
What does Acalymma blandulum eat?
The diet of the Acalymma blandulum includes Cucurbita spp. (Cucurbitaceae) ( 3 ).