Chrysolina sturmi
This record describes Chrysolina sturmi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a beautiful species, the head, pronotum and elytra are metallic purple. It superficially resembles Timarcha goettingensis, but whilst the femora and tibiae of Chrysolina sturmi are metallic purple, the tarsi are orange-brown. The adults are found on Ground-ivy, especially on sunny banks. It prefers areas with calcareous soils. The adults occur in every month from March until November when they hibernate. This very local species is moderately widespread in England south of the Wash and Severn estuary but is scarce north of this. It is scarce in South Wales. Apparently, there are no records for Scotland, and according to Anderson et al. (1997) it is unrecorded in Ireland. Hyman (1992: 179) gave this species Notable B status. There are relatively few post-1970 10 km square records so that this species may be declining over parts of its range. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Chrysolina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The adults are found on Ground-ivy, especially on sunny banks. It prefers areas with calcareous soils.
Seasonal Activity
The adults occur in every month from March until November when they hibernate.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This very local species is moderately widespread in England south of the Wash and Severn estuary but is scarce north of this. It is scarce in South Wales. Apparently, there are no records for Scotland, and according to Anderson et al. (1997) it is unrecorded in Ireland. Hyman (1992: 179) gave this species Notable B status. There are relatively few post-1970 10 km square records so that this species may be declining over parts of its range.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chrysolina sturmi. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysolina sturmi
What is Chrysolina sturmi?
Chrysolina sturmi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Chrysolina sturmi found?
Habitat: The adults are found on Ground-ivy, especially on sunny banks. It prefers areas with calcareous soils.
When is Chrysolina sturmi active?
Chrysolina sturmi: seasonal activity - The adults occur in every month from March until November when they hibernate..