Alder Flea Beetle
Altica ambiens
This record describes Altica ambiens (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Type specimen
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Altica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
most of NA: one ssp. in the northeast (NS-MA to MB-MN) and one western (BC-CA to MT-NM)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: alder ( Alnus spp., Betulaceae)
Life History
Overwinter as adults. Eggs laid on the underside of leaves. Larvae feed on both leaf surfaces and mature in about 5 weeks. Univoltine in the north, may be bivoltine in the south ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Altica ambiens J.L. LeConte 1859
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Altica ambiens. 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 Alder Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Alder Flea Beetle
How do you identify Alder Flea Beetle?
Type specimen
Where is Alder Flea Beetle found?
Range: most of NA: one ssp. in the northeast (NS-MA to MB-MN) and one western (BC-CA to MT-NM)
What does Alder Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Alder Flea Beetle includes Hosts: alder ( Alnus spp., Betulaceae).
What is the life cycle of a Alder Flea Beetle?
Overwinter as adults. Eggs laid on the underside of leaves. Larvae feed on both leaf surfaces and mature in about 5 weeks. Univoltine in the north, may be bivoltine in the south ( 3 )