Chaetocnema minuta
This record describes Chaetocnema minuta (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black bronze, head punctate (small, indistinctly), elytral punctures distinct to apex, pronotum with distinct row of basal punctures, legs dark red/brown (paler in some), first 4-5 antennomeres yellow/brown
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
NS-MB to FL-CA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chaetocnema minuta Melsheimer 1847
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chaetocnema minuta. 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 Chaetocnema minuta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaetocnema minuta
What is Chaetocnema minuta?
Chaetocnema minuta is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chaetocnema minuta?
2.0 mm
How do you identify Chaetocnema minuta?
Black bronze, head punctate (small, indistinctly), elytral punctures distinct to apex, pronotum with distinct row of basal punctures, legs dark red/brown (paler in some), first 4-5 antennomeres yellow/brown
Where is Chaetocnema minuta found?
Range: NS-MB to FL-CA