Calligrapha suturella
This record describes Calligrapha suturella (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Specimens like this, coming from NE North America can be found in many collections mingled with C. multipunctata , for they share the pale margins of pronotum and the lack of a diagnostic spot laterally on elytra. However, it is a different species: Calligrapha suturella Schaeffer, which we have postulated to be parthenogenetic. The most remarkable difference between the two (although not constant) is the fusion of sutural and subsutural dark stripes. ‒Gomez-Zurita, 10.iv.2011
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 NY‒MN‒MB
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Willows ( Salix spp., Salicaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Calligrapha suturella Schaeffer 1933
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calligrapha suturella. 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 suturella (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Calligrapha suturella
What is Calligrapha suturella?
Calligrapha suturella is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Calligrapha suturella?
8.0–9.2 mm
How do you identify Calligrapha suturella?
Specimens like this, coming from NE North America can be found in many collections mingled with C. multipunctata , for they share the pale margins of pronotum and the lack of a diagnostic spot laterally on elytra. However, it is a different species: Calligrapha suturella Schaeffer, which we have postulated to be parthenogenetic. The most remarkable difference between the two (although not constant) is the fusion of sutural and subsutural dark stripes. ‒Gomez-Zurita, 10.iv.2011
Where is Calligrapha suturella found?
Range: ne.NA to NY‒MN‒MB
What does Calligrapha suturella eat?
The diet of the Calligrapha suturella includes Willows ( Salix spp., Salicaceae).