Amblycerus robiniae
This record describes Amblycerus robiniae (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
- Amblycerini
- Genus
- Amblycerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
the only wide-ranging sp. of the genus in our area (NH-FL west to AB-OR-CA) plus ON and MB (BugGuide data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae develop in seeds of Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust) and G. aquatica (Water Locust) trees. Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust) is a probable misidentification of host.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amblycerus robiniae (Fabricius 1781) The specific epithet "robiniae" presumably refers to Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust), a probable misidentification of host.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amblycerus robiniae. 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 Amblycerus robiniae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Amblycerus robiniae
How big is Amblycerus robiniae?
3.8–7.3 mm
Where is Amblycerus robiniae found?
Range: the only wide-ranging sp. of the genus in our area (NH-FL west to AB-OR-CA) plus ON and MB (BugGuide data)
What does Amblycerus robiniae eat?
The diet of the Amblycerus robiniae includes Larvae develop in seeds of Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust) and G. aquatica (Water Locust) trees. Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust) is a probable misidentification of host..