Derospidea brevicollis
This record describes Derospidea brevicollis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Note non-tapering elytral stripes Det. M. A. Quinn, 2015
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Derospidea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US to s. TX (TX-FL-NY-IA) - Map , most records in TX
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Jul (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: On Rutaceae; preferred host, pricklyash ( Zanthoxylum americanum, Z. clava-herculis, Z. hirsutum, occasionally on Citrus ( 3 )
Life History
"The life history [...] was studied on Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (Rutaceae) in College Station, Texas. Beetles on two small trees were followed continuously from early February (after prior fall oviposition) to late May (following adult emergence) of 2007. Eggs were laid naturally on the outdoor trees by mature females during the previous summer. After overwintering in the egg masses, larvae began to emerge in late February, followed by widespread emergence in early March. Three larval instars fed actively on new plant growth (primarily foliage) during March and April. Pupation began in early April, and adult emergence was first observed in early May. Larval feeding resulted in near total defoliation of the observed trees. Little predation of larvae was observed." (Keralis & Riley 2007)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Derospidea brevicollis. 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 Derospidea brevicollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Derospidea brevicollis
What is Derospidea brevicollis?
Derospidea brevicollis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Derospidea brevicollis?
Note non-tapering elytral stripes Det. M. A. Quinn, 2015
Where is Derospidea brevicollis found?
Range: e US to s. TX (TX-FL-NY-IA) - Map , most records in TX
What does Derospidea brevicollis eat?
The diet of the Derospidea brevicollis includes On Rutaceae; preferred host, pricklyash ( Zanthoxylum americanum, Z. clava-herculis, Z. hirsutum, occasionally on Citrus ( 3 ).
When is Derospidea brevicollis active?
Derospidea brevicollis: seasonal activity - Mar-Jul (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Derospidea brevicollis?
The life history [...] was studied on Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (Rutaceae) in College Station, Texas. Beetles on two small trees were followed continuously from early February (after prior fall oviposition) to late May (following adult emergence) of 2007. Eggs were laid naturally on the outdoor trees by mature females during the previous summer. After overwintering in the egg masses, larvae began to emerge in late February, followed by widespread emergence in early March. Three larval instars fed actively on new plant growth (primarily foliage) during March and April. Pupation began in early April, and adult emergence was first observed in early May. Larval feeding resulted in near total defoliation of the observed trees. Little predation of larvae was observed. (Keralis & Riley 2007)