Eastern Babia
Babia quadriguttata
This record describes Babia quadriguttata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is the only black and red Clytrini in e. US. The short serrate antennae and shiny, feebly punctate upper surface will separate it from other black and red Cryptocephalinae. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Clytrini
- Genus
- Babia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US to AZ (NY-ON-MN to FL-AZ) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Rhus, Corylus americana, Quercus velutina, Carya cordiformis, Juglans nigra, Ceanothus americanus ; more loosely associated with many other plants ( 7 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Babia quadriguttata. 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 Eastern Babia (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Babia
What is Eastern Babia?
Eastern Babia (Babia quadriguttata) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eastern Babia?
3-3.5 mm ; 2.5-5.5 mm ; 3-5.3 mm
How do you identify Eastern Babia?
This is the only black and red Clytrini in e. US. The short serrate antennae and shiny, feebly punctate upper surface will separate it from other black and red Cryptocephalinae. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010
Where is Eastern Babia found?
Range: e US to AZ (NY-ON-MN to FL-AZ) - Map
What does Eastern Babia eat?
The diet of the Eastern Babia includes Rhus, Corylus americana, Quercus velutina, Carya cordiformis, Juglans nigra, Ceanothus americanus ; more loosely associated with many other plants ( 7 ).