Velvetleaf Seed Beetle
Althaeus folkertsi
This record describes Althaeus folkertsi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Althaeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NJ-VA west to IA-KS-TX (predominantly midwestern)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Abutilon theophrasti; Hibiscus moscheutos lasiocarpos, H. militaris Visiting records: Amelanchier, Crategus mollis, Hibiscus, Malva, Spiraea , swamp mallow, wafer ash
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Althaeus folkertsi Kingsolver 1989
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Althaeus folkertsi. 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 Velvetleaf Seed Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Velvetleaf Seed Beetle
How big is Velvetleaf Seed Beetle?
1.9–2.5 mm
Where is Velvetleaf Seed Beetle found?
Range: NJ-VA west to IA-KS-TX (predominantly midwestern)
What does Velvetleaf Seed Beetle eat?
The diet of the Velvetleaf Seed Beetle includes Hosts: Abutilon theophrasti; Hibiscus moscheutos lasiocarpos, H. militaris Visiting records: Amelanchier, Crategus mollis, Hibiscus, Malva, Spiraea , swamp mallow, wafer ash.