Calligrapha confluens
This record describes Calligrapha confluens (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished by the narrow pale area near the suture on the apical declivity of elytra. Species is polymorphic for this feature, however. (Dr. Gomez-Zurita's comments here and here )
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
ne. NA to ON-NE-VA (no records for most states in between yet)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: alder ( Alnus )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Calligrapha confluens Schaeffer 1928
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calligrapha confluens. 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 confluens (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , John Schneider , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Calligrapha confluens
What is Calligrapha confluens?
Calligrapha confluens is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Calligrapha confluens?
7-8 mm
How do you identify Calligrapha confluens?
Distinguished by the narrow pale area near the suture on the apical declivity of elytra. Species is polymorphic for this feature, however. (Dr. Gomez-Zurita's comments here and here )
Where is Calligrapha confluens found?
Range: ne. NA to ON-NE-VA (no records for most states in between yet)
What does Calligrapha confluens eat?
The diet of the Calligrapha confluens includes host: alder ( Alnus ).