Festive Cucumber Beetle
Diabrotica adelpha
This record describes Diabrotica adelpha (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Typical form: - less commonly:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Luperini
- Genus
- Diabrotica (Cucumber Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c. TX to Columbia - Map
Seasonal Activity
May-Dec (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Diabrotica adelpha Harold 1875
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diabrotica adelpha. 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 Festive Cucumber Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Festive Cucumber Beetle
How big is Festive Cucumber Beetle?
5.8-7.4 mm
How do you identify Festive Cucumber Beetle?
Typical form: - less commonly:
Where is Festive Cucumber Beetle found?
Range: c. TX to Columbia - Map
When is Festive Cucumber Beetle active?
Festive Cucumber Beetle: seasonal activity - May-Dec (BG data).