Banded Cucumber Beetle
Diabrotica balteata
This record describes Diabrotica balteata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013
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
se. US, s. CA (s. CA, TX-FL-SC) to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Nearly omnivorous, all plant parts are attacked, but the larvae feed only on roots
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Diabrotica balteata LeConte 1865
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diabrotica balteata. 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 Banded Cucumber Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by tom murray , Mike Quinn , Ron M. , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Banded Cucumber Beetle
How big is Banded Cucumber Beetle?
5.0-5.3 mm
How do you identify Banded Cucumber Beetle?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013
Where is Banded Cucumber Beetle found?
Range: se. US, s. CA (s. CA, TX-FL-SC) to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map
What does Banded Cucumber Beetle eat?
The diet of the Banded Cucumber Beetle includes Nearly omnivorous, all plant parts are attacked, but the larvae feed only on roots.