Acanthoscelides atomus
This record describes Acanthoscelides atomus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Of eastern species, the combination of minute size, ocellate elytral vestiture, and lack of lateral and ventrolateral tibial carinae is diagnostic Type deposited in MCZ - Images here
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Acanthoscelides
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL, IA, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host plants include Lechea racemulosa & L. tenuifolia
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acanthoscelides atomus (Fall, 1910)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acanthoscelides atomus. 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 Acanthoscelides atomus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Marc DiGirolomo
Frequently Asked Questions About Acanthoscelides atomus
What is Acanthoscelides atomus?
Acanthoscelides atomus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acanthoscelides atomus?
0.95-1.2mm
How do you identify Acanthoscelides atomus?
Of eastern species, the combination of minute size, ocellate elytral vestiture, and lack of lateral and ventrolateral tibial carinae is diagnostic
Where is Acanthoscelides atomus found?
Range: FL, IA, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ
What does Acanthoscelides atomus eat?
The diet of the Acanthoscelides atomus includes Host plants include Lechea racemulosa & L. tenuifolia.