Calligrapha californica
This record describes Calligrapha californica (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The black-headed larvae have a dark brown rotund body twice as wide as the head and three times as long. The adult is a dark beige beetle approximately 6 mm long with 3 black stripes on its back.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Calligrapha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
throughout n. NA south to GA-IN-CO-CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larva feed on beggarticks ( Bidens ) and possibly other plants
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Calligrapha californica (Linell 1896)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calligrapha californica. 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 Calligrapha californica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Calligrapha californica
What is Calligrapha californica?
Calligrapha californica is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Calligrapha californica?
The black-headed larvae have a dark brown rotund body twice as wide as the head and three times as long. The adult is a dark beige beetle approximately 6 mm long with 3 black stripes on its back.
Where is Calligrapha californica found?
Range: throughout n. NA south to GA-IN-CO-CA
What does Calligrapha californica eat?
The diet of the Calligrapha californica includes Larva feed on beggarticks ( Bidens ) and possibly other plants.