ColeopteraChrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles

Anisostena ariadne

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

Identification and Appearance

Anisostena ariadne - Anisostena ariadne
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
FeatureDescription
HeadHead blue-black, strongly alutaceous, frons with deep, median, vertical depression, and thin carina between antennae.
EyesEyes with deep vertical sulcus on mesal border.
AntennaeAntennae black, apical 5 segments with brown pubescense.
PronotumPronotum orange or red, anterior border rather broadly black; alutaceous and punctate with very large punctures.
ElytraElytra black with purple hues, each elytron with large punctures in 4 double rows, separated by 3 distinct costae.
LegsLegs 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Anisostena ariadne (5)

Anisostena ariadne - photo 1
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Anisostena ariadne - photo 2
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Anisostena ariadne - photo 3
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Anisostena ariadne - photo 4
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Anisostena ariadne - photo 5
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

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?
FeatureDescription
HeadHead blue-black, strongly alutaceous, frons with deep, median, vertical depression, and thin carina between antennae.
EyesEyes with deep vertical sulcus on mesal border.
AntennaeAntennae black, apical 5 segments with brown pubescense.
PronotumPronotum orange or red, anterior border rather broadly black; alutaceous and punctate with very large punctures.
ElytraElytra black with purple hues, each elytron with large punctures in 4 double rows, separated by 3 distinct costae.
LegsLegs 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 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.