Aphthona lacertosa
This record describes Aphthona lacertosa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Shiny, metallic black common in ND ( 3 )
Identification notes
Shiny, metallic black
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Aphthona
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe (mostly in the sw. part) , intentionally introduced in NA in the 1990s for weed control purposes
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Euphorbia cyparissias
Life History
Adults emerge from the soil beginning in May to July, and are present for several weeks to several months. Females lay groups of eggs at, or just below, soil surface, near base of leafy spurge stem. Newly-hatched larvae burrow into the soil and begin feeding on small roots.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aphthona lacertosa (Rosenhauer 1847)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aphthona lacertosa. 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 Aphthona lacertosa (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Aphthona lacertosa
What is Aphthona lacertosa?
Aphthona lacertosa is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Aphthona lacertosa?
2.5-3.4 mm
How do you identify Aphthona lacertosa?
Shiny, metallic black
Where is Aphthona lacertosa found?
Range: native to Europe (mostly in the sw. part) , intentionally introduced in NA in the 1990s for weed control purposes
What does Aphthona lacertosa eat?
The diet of the Aphthona lacertosa includes host: Euphorbia cyparissias.
What is the life cycle of a Aphthona lacertosa?
Adults emerge from the soil beginning in May to July, and are present for several weeks to several months. Females lay groups of eggs at, or just below, soil surface, near base of leafy spurge stem. Newly-hatched larvae burrow into the soil and begin feeding on small roots.