Klamath Weed Beetle
Chrysolina quadrigemina
This record describes Chrysolina quadrigemina (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Introduced from Australia in 1944 to combat Klamath weed (it could not be obtained from Europe because of war).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Chrysolina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
intoduced in n. US and Can. - Map , native to Europe
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum ), and other Hypericum species.
Life History
Adults emerge from pupal cell in soil in the spring. One generation a year.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysolina quadrigemina (Suffrian 1851)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chrysolina quadrigemina. 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 Klamath Weed Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Klamath Weed Beetle
What is Klamath Weed Beetle?
Klamath Weed Beetle (Chrysolina quadrigemina) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Klamath Weed Beetle found?
Range: intoduced in n. US and Can. - Map , native to Europe
What does Klamath Weed Beetle eat?
The diet of the Klamath Weed Beetle includes host: St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum ), and other Hypericum species..
What is the life cycle of a Klamath Weed Beetle?
Adults emerge from pupal cell in soil in the spring. One generation a year.