Basswood Leaf Miner
Baliosus nervosus
This record describes Baliosus nervosus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Basswood Leaf Miner (Baliosus nervosus) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as leaf beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Cassidinae, tribe Chalepini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Chrysomeloidea. This species belongs to the genus Baliosus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 4.5‒7 mm. Active during late Mar to early Sep in AL.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Chalepini
- Genus
- Baliosus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NS‒FL to ON‒UT‒NM
Seasonal Activity
late Mar to early Sep in AL ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Normal host is American Basswood ( Tilia americana , Tiliaceae), but reported from 7 other plant families ( 5 ) . NM & UT records both on Quercus gambelii , according to Cameron Ramsey.
Life History
Univoltine. Overwinter as adults under leaves/debris. Eggs are deposited singly at the edges of skeletonized areas ca. mid-June.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Baliosus nervosus (Panzer 1794)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Baliosus nervosus. 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 Basswood Leaf Miner (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , mfdigiro , Marci Hess , egordon88
Frequently Asked Questions About Basswood Leaf Miner
What is Basswood Leaf Miner?
Basswood Leaf Miner (Baliosus nervosus) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Basswood Leaf Miner?
4.5‒7 mm
Where is Basswood Leaf Miner found?
Range: NS‒FL to ON‒UT‒NM
What does Basswood Leaf Miner eat?
The diet of the Basswood Leaf Miner includes Normal host is American Basswood ( Tilia americana , Tiliaceae), but reported from 7 other plant families ( 5 ) . NM & UT records both on Quercus gambelii , according to Cameron Ramsey..
When is Basswood Leaf Miner active?
Basswood Leaf Miner: seasonal activity - late Mar to early Sep in AL ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Basswood Leaf Miner?
Univoltine. Overwinter as adults under leaves/debris. Eggs are deposited singly at the edges of skeletonized areas ca. mid-June.