Colaspis pini
This record describes Colaspis pini (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults are oval, convex, tannish to brown, with metallic greenish specks on their backs. Det. E. G. Riley, 2024 Mature larvae are yellowish-white, about 6 mm long, with a sparse covering of short hairs and clusters of longer hairs at the outer edge of each body segment. An occasional pest of Christmas trees. Known to feed on most species of Southern pines but rarely causes significant economic injury.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Eumolpini
- Genus
- Colaspis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US - Map Colaspis pini pini Barber 1936 - se US: e.TX-MS, e.OK-AR [al, fl, ga] Colaspis pini schotti Barber 1936 - Alantic seaboard: SC-NJ
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge in late spring to early summer and feed on pine needles, mate and lay eggs in the soil. There is only one generation per year.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed in the roots of grasses and other herbaceous vegetation until fall, when they move deeper into the soil to overwinter. ( 3 ) adults prefer foliage of slash pine ( Pinus elliottii ) but have also been recorded in association with Cedrus deodara, Picea, Pinus australis, P. taeda , and P. virginiana (all Pinaceae) and with Taxodium distichum (Taxodiaceae) ( 4 )
Life History
Larvae spend the winter in cells in the soil, then pupate in the spring.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Colaspis pini Barber 1936 (1937)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Colaspis pini. 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 Colaspis pini (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Robert Lord Zimlich , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Colaspis pini
What is Colaspis pini?
Colaspis pini is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Colaspis pini?
~5 mm long
How do you identify Colaspis pini?
Adults are oval, convex, tannish to brown, with metallic greenish specks on their backs. Det. E. G. Riley, 2024 Mature larvae are yellowish-white, about 6 mm long, with a sparse covering of short hairs and clusters of longer hairs at the outer edge of each body segment.
Where is Colaspis pini found?
Range: e. US - Map Colaspis pini pini Barber 1936 - se US: e.TX-MS, e.OK-AR [al, fl, ga] Colaspis pini schotti Barber 1936 - Alantic seaboard: SC-NJ
What does Colaspis pini eat?
The diet of the Colaspis pini includes Larvae feed in the roots of grasses and other herbaceous vegetation until fall, when they move deeper into the soil to overwinter. ( 3 ) adults prefer foliage of slash pine ( Pinus elliottii ) but have also been recorded in association with Cedrus deodara, Picea, Pinus australis, P. taeda , and P. virginiana (all Pinaceae) and with Taxodium distichum (Taxodiaceae) ( 4 ).
When is Colaspis pini active?
Colaspis pini: seasonal activity - Adults emerge in late spring to early summer and feed on pine needles, mate and lay eggs in the soil. There is only one generation per year..
What is the life cycle of a Colaspis pini?
Larvae spend the winter in cells in the soil, then pupate in the spring.