Altica obliterata
This record describes Altica obliterata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
subopaque, colour dark blue to almost black; basal depression on pronotum superficial, fading to the sides (thus the name) Holotype
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
sw.US (AZ-c.TX, KS) & Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Apache Plume ( Fallugia paradoxa , Rosaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Altica obliterata (LeConte 1859)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Altica obliterata. 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 Altica obliterata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Altica obliterata
What is Altica obliterata?
Altica obliterata is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Altica obliterata?
~6 mm
How do you identify Altica obliterata?
subopaque, colour dark blue to almost black; basal depression on pronotum superficial, fading to the sides (thus the name) Holotype
Where is Altica obliterata found?
Range: sw.US (AZ-c.TX, KS) & Mexico
What does Altica obliterata eat?
The diet of the Altica obliterata includes Apache Plume ( Fallugia paradoxa , Rosaceae).