Twelve-spotted Asparagus Beetle
Crioceris duodecimpunctata
This record describes Crioceris duodecimpunctata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Criocerinae
- Tribe
- Criocerini
- Genus
- Crioceris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to the Palæarctic (widespread) , introduced to NA and now transcontinental (BC‒CA to NS‒WV)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Asparagus officinalis (Liliaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Crioceris duodecimpunctata (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Crioceris duodecimpunctata. 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 Twelve-spotted Asparagus Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Twelve-spotted Asparagus Beetle
How big is Twelve-spotted Asparagus Beetle?
5‒6.5 mm
Where is Twelve-spotted Asparagus Beetle found?
Range: native to the Palæarctic (widespread) , introduced to NA and now transcontinental (BC‒CA to NS‒WV)
What does Twelve-spotted Asparagus Beetle eat?
The diet of the Twelve-spotted Asparagus Beetle includes host: Asparagus officinalis (Liliaceae).