Dogwood Flea Beetle
Altica corni
This record describes Altica corni (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
adult habitus
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
boreal transcontinental (NF-MA to NT-BC-WA) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: feeds on dogwood ( Cornus , Cornaceae), having been reported from C. pubescens, C. racemosa, and C. stolonifera . LeSage & Denis (1999) noted that C. stolonifera [C. sericea] is the preferred host. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Altica corni Woods 1918
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Altica corni. 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 Dogwood Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Guy A. Hanley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogwood Flea Beetle
How do you identify Dogwood Flea Beetle?
adult habitus
Where is Dogwood Flea Beetle found?
Range: boreal transcontinental (NF-MA to NT-BC-WA) - Map
What does Dogwood Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Dogwood Flea Beetle includes feeds on dogwood ( Cornus , Cornaceae), having been reported from C. pubescens, C. racemosa, and C. stolonifera . LeSage & Denis (1999) noted that C. stolonifera [C. sericea] is the preferred host. ( 4 ).