Altica tombacina
This record describes Altica tombacina (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
brassy to purplish species; habitus not very convex, surface with reduced sheen (alutaceous); transverse furrow of pronotum ends into a +/- triangular depression at about 3/4 to side margin.
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
northern transcontinental, mainly in the west according to GBIF south to OR / western MT (Hatch, 1971)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Fireweed, and other members of primrose family preferred.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Altica tombacina Mannerheim, 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Altica tombacina. 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 tombacina (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche
Frequently Asked Questions About Altica tombacina
What is Altica tombacina?
Altica tombacina is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Altica tombacina?
brassy to purplish species; habitus not very convex, surface with reduced sheen (alutaceous); transverse furrow of pronotum ends into a +/- triangular depression at about 3/4 to side margin.
Where is Altica tombacina found?
Range: northern transcontinental, mainly in the west according to GBIF south to OR / western MT (Hatch, 1971)
What does Altica tombacina eat?
The diet of the Altica tombacina includes Fireweed, and other members of primrose family preferred..