Demotina modesta
This record describes Demotina modesta (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Note serrate margins of the pronotum: earliest US record is a spmn coll'ed in 1970 from n.Georgia Leaf curl and distortion caused by these beetles seems to be unique among the leaf beetles that feed on oaks. (Baker, 2023)
Identification notes
Note serrate margins of the pronotum:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Adoxini
- Genus
- Demotina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
adventive to e.US (MA‒FL to IA‒e.TX) - Map , Native to Korea, Japan
Diet and Behavior
Diet: can be very abundant, especially on oaks ( Quercus spp., Fagaceae) long series coll'ed beating water oak ( Quercus nigra ) in e.TX and LA
Life History
known to be parthenogenetic in parts of its native range (Isono 1988,1990b), and, to date, no males are known from North America.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Demotina modesta Baly 1874
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Demotina modesta. 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 Demotina modesta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Demotina modesta
What is Demotina modesta?
Demotina modesta is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Demotina modesta?
2.8‒3.1 mm
How do you identify Demotina modesta?
Note serrate margins of the pronotum:
Where is Demotina modesta found?
Range: adventive to e.US (MA‒FL to IA‒e.TX) - Map , Native to Korea, Japan
What does Demotina modesta eat?
The diet of the Demotina modesta includes can be very abundant, especially on oaks ( Quercus spp., Fagaceae) long series coll'ed beating water oak ( Quercus nigra ) in e.TX and LA.
What is the life cycle of a Demotina modesta?
known to be parthenogenetic in parts of its native range (Isono 1988,1990b), and, to date, no males are known from North America.