Argopistes tsekooni
This record describes Argopistes tsekooni (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
see first US record from Atlanta, Georgia, April, 2023
Identification notes
see
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Argopistes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
adventive to MS-SC-FL - Map , native to China, Korea, Japan
Seasonal Activity
mostly Mar-Sept in the US ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: it is clear from choice tests that A. tsekooni does not strongly prefer L. sinense over other members of the tribe, also readily feeding and laying eggs on Ligustrum vulgare, Syringa meyeri, Chionanthus virginicus, Forestiera acuminata, F. pubescens, F. segregata , and Fraxinus pennsylvanica . These preliminary results and observations suggest that A. tsekooni may help curtail the dominance and spread of L. sinense but not without also negatively impacting certain native species. (Ulyshen et al. 2025)
Life History
larvae are leaf miners
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Argopistes tsekooni Chen 1934
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Argopistes tsekooni. 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 Argopistes tsekooni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Argopistes tsekooni
What is Argopistes tsekooni?
Argopistes tsekooni is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Argopistes tsekooni?
2.8–3.2 mm
How do you identify Argopistes tsekooni?
see
Where is Argopistes tsekooni found?
Range: adventive to MS-SC-FL - Map , native to China, Korea, Japan
What does Argopistes tsekooni eat?
The diet of the Argopistes tsekooni includes it is clear from choice tests that A. tsekooni does not strongly prefer L. sinense over other members of the tribe, also readily feeding and laying eggs on Ligustrum vulgare, Syringa meyeri, Chionanthus virginicus, Forestiera acuminata, F. pubescens, F. segregata , and Fraxinus pennsylvanica . These preliminary results and observations suggest that A. tsekooni may help curtail the dominance and spread of L. sinense but not without also negatively impacting certain native species. (Ulyshen et al. 2025).
When is Argopistes tsekooni active?
Argopistes tsekooni: seasonal activity - mostly Mar-Sept in the US ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Argopistes tsekooni?
larvae are leaf miners