Cerataltica insolita
This record describes Cerataltica insolita (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
description Rare in IN, AL, FL ; exceedingly rare in MD
Identification notes
description
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Cerataltica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-PA-IN)
Seasonal Activity
Apr-May (per specimens in the EGRC)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: swept from oaks, grass, and euphorbes ( 4 ) ; host: Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Caprifoliaceae) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cerataltica insolita (Melsheimer 1847)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cerataltica insolita. 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 Cerataltica insolita (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cerataltica insolita
What is Cerataltica insolita?
Cerataltica insolita is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cerataltica insolita?
1.9-2.1 mm
How do you identify Cerataltica insolita?
description
Where is Cerataltica insolita found?
Range: e US (TX-FL-PA-IN)
What does Cerataltica insolita eat?
The diet of the Cerataltica insolita includes swept from oaks, grass, and euphorbes ( 4 ) ; host: Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Caprifoliaceae) ( 5 ).
When is Cerataltica insolita active?
Cerataltica insolita: seasonal activity - Apr-May (per specimens in the EGRC).