Chelymorpha cribraria
This record describes Chelymorpha cribraria (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
highly variable (at least globally), but in FL often with multiple dark spots of almost uniform size and spacing on the elytra that make it appear to be perforated like a metal colander. showed up in so. FL following hurricane Andrew (Sep. 1993). --M.C. Thomas, 14.v.2008
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Mesomphaliini
- Genus
- Chelymorpha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
adventive to se coastal FL (established), native to S. America & West Indies - Map (in FL north to Orange Co., per M.C. Thomas's 14.v.2008 comment)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: the only two confirmed host in FL are Oceanblue Morning Glory ( Ipomoea indica ) and Beach Morning Glory ( Ipomoea pes-caprae , Convolvulaceae) (Thomas, 1999)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chelymorpha cribraria (Fabricius 1775)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chelymorpha cribraria. 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 Chelymorpha cribraria (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by McClarinJ , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelymorpha cribraria
What is Chelymorpha cribraria?
Chelymorpha cribraria is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Chelymorpha cribraria?
highly variable (at least globally), but in FL often with multiple dark spots of almost uniform size and spacing on the elytra that make it appear to be perforated like a metal colander.
Where is Chelymorpha cribraria found?
Range: adventive to se coastal FL (established), native to S. America & West Indies - Map (in FL north to Orange Co., per M.C. Thomas's 14.v.2008 comment)
What does Chelymorpha cribraria eat?
The diet of the Chelymorpha cribraria includes the only two confirmed host in FL are Oceanblue Morning Glory ( Ipomoea indica ) and Beach Morning Glory ( Ipomoea pes-caprae , Convolvulaceae) (Thomas, 1999).