Clay-colored Leaf Beetle
Anomoea laticlavia
This record describes Anomoea laticlavia (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Fairly large leaf beetles, reddish yellow with variable amounts of black, esp. black along midline of elytra.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Clytrini
- Genus
- Anomoea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Includes old fields with growing shrubs, forbs.
Geographic Range
e. NA (NM-FL-QC-MB) - Map , mostly e. US, common
Seasonal Activity
Mostly: June (Full: Apr-Aug) (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feeds on a variety of forbs and shrubs: Lespedeza ; Honey Locust, Gleditsia tricanthos ; Willow, Salix ; Oak, Quercus ; Persimmon, Diospyros virginiana ; Ragweed, Ambrosia . ; Leadplant, Amorpha canescens
Life History
According to comments under this image: larvae are myrmecophiles having an association with ants of the genus Formica .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: At Words by William Whitaker , " laticlavia " translates to "having a broad crimson stripe".
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anomoea laticlavia. 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 Clay-colored Leaf Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , marcie oconnor
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay-colored Leaf Beetle
What is Clay-colored Leaf Beetle?
Clay-colored Leaf Beetle (Anomoea laticlavia) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Clay-colored Leaf Beetle?
6-9 mm
How do you identify Clay-colored Leaf Beetle?
Fairly large leaf beetles, reddish yellow with variable amounts of black, esp. black along midline of elytra.
Where is Clay-colored Leaf Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Includes old fields with growing shrubs, forbs. |
| Range | e. NA (NM-FL-QC-MB) - Map , mostly e. US, common |
What does Clay-colored Leaf Beetle eat?
The diet of the Clay-colored Leaf Beetle includes Feeds on a variety of forbs and shrubs: Lespedeza ; Honey Locust, Gleditsia tricanthos ; Willow, Salix ; Oak, Quercus ; Persimmon, Diospyros virginiana ; Ragweed, Ambrosia . ; Leadplant, Amorpha canescens.
When is Clay-colored Leaf Beetle active?
Clay-colored Leaf Beetle: seasonal activity - Mostly: June (Full: Apr-Aug) (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Clay-colored Leaf Beetle?
According to comments under this image: larvae are myrmecophiles having an association with ants of the genus Formica .