Cornulactica varicornis
This record describes Cornulactica varicornis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Apparently introduced into s. Louisiana ca. 2019 and recently spread to the Upper Coast of Texas and to s. Mississippi. (BG data)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Cornulactica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
broadly along the Gulf coastal plains (Jacoby 1881)(BG data)
Geographic Range
s. MS to Houston, southmost TX to C. Amer. (Belize) (Jacoby 1881)(BG data) , plus one record from Caatinga, Brazil (da Silva Guedes, et al. 2019)
Seasonal Activity
April-Oct in US (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: genus not reported in Clark et al. , but USDA reports an intercept of this species from Mexico on Musa sp. (Musaceae), a genus that includes bananas and plantains. Cornulactica is related to “ Monomacra s. lato” that will use Passiflora spp. and some on Bumelia, but those seem unlikely [hosts] to me. (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2020)
Life History
comes to UV lights (BG data)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cornulactica varicornis. 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 Cornulactica varicornis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornulactica varicornis
What is Cornulactica varicornis?
Cornulactica varicornis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cornulactica varicornis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | broadly along the Gulf coastal plains (Jacoby 1881)(BG data) |
| Range | s. MS to Houston, southmost TX to C. Amer. (Belize) (Jacoby 1881)(BG data) , plus one record from Caatinga, Brazil (da Silva Guedes, et al. 2019) |
What does Cornulactica varicornis eat?
The diet of the Cornulactica varicornis includes genus not reported in Clark et al. , but USDA reports an intercept of this species from Mexico on Musa sp. (Musaceae), a genus that includes bananas and plantains. Cornulactica is related to Monomacra s. lato that will use Passiflora spp. and some on Bumelia, but those seem unlikely [hosts] to me. (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2020).
When is Cornulactica varicornis active?
Cornulactica varicornis: seasonal activity - April-Oct in US (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Cornulactica varicornis?
comes to UV lights (BG data)