Sweetpotato Flea Beetle
Chaetocnema confinis
This record describes Chaetocnema confinis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Chaetocnema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental, Canada to S. America; adventive in Africa, Asia, Pacific islands
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Convolvulaceae ( 3 ) ; secondary associations with a large number of other plants ( 4 ) , develops on sweetpotato, dichondra, morning glory and raspberry in so. US ( 5 )
Life History
larvae feed inside roots
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chaetocnema confinis Crotch 1873
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chaetocnema confinis. 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 Sweetpotato Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweetpotato Flea Beetle
How big is Sweetpotato Flea Beetle?
1.4–1.8 mm
Where is Sweetpotato Flea Beetle found?
Range: transcontinental, Canada to S. America; adventive in Africa, Asia, Pacific islands
What does Sweetpotato Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Sweetpotato Flea Beetle includes hosts: Convolvulaceae ( 3 ) ; secondary associations with a large number of other plants ( 4 ) , develops on sweetpotato, dichondra, morning glory and raspberry in so. US ( 5 ).
What is the life cycle of a Sweetpotato Flea Beetle?
larvae feed inside roots