Ragweed Leaf Beetle
Calligrapha suturalis
This record describes Calligrapha suturalis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Easily distinguished from C. bidenticola by the form of the tarsal claws or color of the epipleuron. C. bidenticola is slightly more elongate than C. suturalis but otherwise very similar. Do not try to separate the two based on whether the elytral stripe is divided. This character may not even be consistent for beetles from the same locality. ‒S.M. Clark, pers.comm. to =v= 11.ix.2013 introduced to Russia in 1978 to control ragweed, with frustrating results ( Reznik et al. )
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
e.NA (QC‒FL to MB‒NM)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Ambrosia (Asteraceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Calligrapha suturalis (Fabricius 1775)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calligrapha suturalis. 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 Ragweed Leaf Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ragweed Leaf Beetle
What is Ragweed Leaf Beetle?
Ragweed Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha suturalis) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ragweed Leaf Beetle?
<6.5 mm
How do you identify Ragweed Leaf Beetle?
Easily distinguished from C. bidenticola by the form of the tarsal claws or color of the epipleuron. C. bidenticola is slightly more elongate than C. suturalis but otherwise very similar. Do not try to separate the two based on whether the elytral stripe is divided. This character may not even be consistent for beetles from the same locality. ‒S.M. Clark, pers.comm. to =v= 11.ix.2013
Where is Ragweed Leaf Beetle found?
Range: e.NA (QC‒FL to MB‒NM)
What does Ragweed Leaf Beetle eat?
The diet of the Ragweed Leaf Beetle includes host: Ambrosia (Asteraceae).