Anisostena ariadne
This record describes Anisostena ariadne (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head blue-black, strongly alutaceous, frons with deep, median, vertical depression, and thin carina between antennae. |
| Eyes | Eyes with deep vertical sulcus on mesal border. |
| Antennae | Antennae black, apical 5 segments with brown pubescense. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum orange or red, anterior border rather broadly black; alutaceous and punctate with very large punctures. |
| Elytra | Elytra black with purple hues, each elytron with large punctures in 4 double rows, separated by 3 distinct costae. |
| Legs | Legs and venter black except prosternum orange. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Chalepini
- Genus
- Anisostena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (NJ-FL to MO-TX) - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-Aug ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anisostena ariadne. 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 Anisostena ariadne (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Anisostena ariadne
What is Anisostena ariadne?
Anisostena ariadne is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anisostena ariadne?
Length 4.6-5.3 mm
How do you identify Anisostena ariadne?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head blue-black, strongly alutaceous, frons with deep, median, vertical depression, and thin carina between antennae. |
| Eyes | Eyes with deep vertical sulcus on mesal border. |
| Antennae | Antennae black, apical 5 segments with brown pubescense. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum orange or red, anterior border rather broadly black; alutaceous and punctate with very large punctures. |
| Elytra | Elytra black with purple hues, each elytron with large punctures in 4 double rows, separated by 3 distinct costae. |
| Legs | Legs and venter black except prosternum orange. |
Where is Anisostena ariadne found?
Range: e. US (NJ-FL to MO-TX) - Map
When is Anisostena ariadne active?
Anisostena ariadne: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-Aug ( 3 ).
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