Sumac Flea Beetle
Blepharida rhois
This record describes Blepharida rhois (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
highly variable:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Blepharida
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US to UT / Mex.
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Mar-Sept (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: currant, sumac ( Rhus , Anacardiaceae), skunkbrush
Life History
on skunkbush sumac ( Rhus trilobata , Anacardiaceae
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Blepharida rhois. 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 Sumac Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sumac Flea Beetle
How big is Sumac Flea Beetle?
6-7 mm
How do you identify Sumac Flea Beetle?
highly variable:
Where is Sumac Flea Beetle found?
Range: e US to UT / Mex.
What does Sumac Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Sumac Flea Beetle includes hosts: currant, sumac ( Rhus , Anacardiaceae), skunkbrush.
When is Sumac Flea Beetle active?
Sumac Flea Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly: Mar-Sept (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Sumac Flea Beetle?
on skunkbush sumac ( Rhus trilobata , Anacardiaceae