Chalepus bicolor
This record describes Chalepus bicolor (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra entirely dark, pronotum mostly red , southern populations may have dark pronotum , , femora red at base , red scutelum Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Chalepini
- Genus
- Chalepus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.US (NY‒FL to KS‒TX) & ON - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: rosette grass ( Dichanthelium spp. , Poaceae) ( 8 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chalepus bicolor ( Olivier 1792)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chalepus bicolor. 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 Chalepus bicolor (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chalepus bicolor
What is Chalepus bicolor?
Chalepus bicolor is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chalepus bicolor?
6.3‒7.6 mm
How do you identify Chalepus bicolor?
Elytra entirely dark, pronotum mostly red , southern populations may have dark pronotum , , femora red at base , red scutelum Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017
Where is Chalepus bicolor found?
Range: e.US (NY‒FL to KS‒TX) & ON - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 )
What does Chalepus bicolor eat?
The diet of the Chalepus bicolor includes rosette grass ( Dichanthelium spp. , Poaceae) ( 8 ).