Calligrapha diversa
This record describes Calligrapha diversa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra pinkish to red (yellowish in death) with many dark spots; in intensively coloured specimens, dark pattern elements usually bordered with white. Sides of elytra without dark spot, subsutural band near base divergent from sutural band in most cases. A preapical-lateral spot, behind level of spot near suture, usually present. has been, until recently, confused with C. sylvia , which seems to be endemic to the NE part of Mexico, not within ~250 of the US border
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
AZ to Venezuela ; intercepted in TX on mustard greens from Mexico, but could be naturally present in TX, too
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Only one potential host record found: Sida acuta (Malvaceae); available Mexican observations all on herbs, in one case also identified as Malvaceae (but probably not Sida )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Calligrapha diversa Stål 1859
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calligrapha diversa. 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 diversa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Calligrapha diversa
What is Calligrapha diversa?
Calligrapha diversa is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Calligrapha diversa?
9 mm
How do you identify Calligrapha diversa?
Elytra pinkish to red (yellowish in death) with many dark spots; in intensively coloured specimens, dark pattern elements usually bordered with white. Sides of elytra without dark spot, subsutural band near base divergent from sutural band in most cases. A preapical-lateral spot, behind level of spot near suture, usually present.
Where is Calligrapha diversa found?
Range: AZ to Venezuela ; intercepted in TX on mustard greens from Mexico, but could be naturally present in TX, too
What does Calligrapha diversa eat?
The diet of the Calligrapha diversa includes Only one potential host record found: Sida acuta (Malvaceae); available Mexican observations all on herbs, in one case also identified as Malvaceae (but probably not Sida ).