Aulacothorax melina
This record describes Aulacothorax melina (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Aulacothorax melinus, the poison ivy leaf beetle, is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, formerly in the genus Orthaltica. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Aulacothorax melina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aulacothorax_melinus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Serraticollini
- Genus
- Aulacothorax
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Roughly: TX-AL-WV-PA-SD - Map , uncommon
Seasonal Activity
Apr-June (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on sumac ( Rhus spp.) and poison ivy ( Toxicodendron radicans , Anacardiaceae) ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aulacothorax melina. 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 Aulacothorax melina (4)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Deczynski , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Aulacothorax melina
What is Aulacothorax melina?
Aulacothorax melina is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Aulacothorax melina?
1.5-2 mm (Horn 1889)
Where is Aulacothorax melina found?
Range: Roughly: TX-AL-WV-PA-SD - Map , uncommon
What does Aulacothorax melina eat?
The diet of the Aulacothorax melina includes on sumac ( Rhus spp.) and poison ivy ( Toxicodendron radicans , Anacardiaceae) ( 3 ).
When is Aulacothorax melina active?
Aulacothorax melina: seasonal activity - Apr-June (BG data).