Cassida relicta
This record describes Cassida relicta (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
described from three specimens with the data Illinois Belfrage. Riley regarded this species as perhaps the rarest of the United States cassidines.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Cassidini
- Genus
- Cassida
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TX-MI-ND - Map , most records c. TX to OK
Seasonal Activity
Mar-July in TX (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults and larvae coll'ed from Indian blanket ( Gaillardia pulchella (Asteraceae) and G. amblyodon in central Texas, and from G. aestivalis in eastern Oklahoma ( 5 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cassida relicta. 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 Cassida relicta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Cassida relicta
What is Cassida relicta?
Cassida relicta is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cassida relicta found?
Range: TX-MI-ND - Map , most records c. TX to OK
What does Cassida relicta eat?
The diet of the Cassida relicta includes adults and larvae coll'ed from Indian blanket ( Gaillardia pulchella (Asteraceae) and G. amblyodon in central Texas, and from G. aestivalis in eastern Oklahoma ( 5 ).
When is Cassida relicta active?
Cassida relicta: seasonal activity - Mar-July in TX (BG data).