Diabrotica cristata
This record describes Diabrotica cristata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum black to orange , or less frequently: can be locally abundant:
Wikipedia reference for Diabrotica cristata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabrotica cristata.
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
e. NA to AZ (AZ-GA-ON-SK) / Mex. - Map , mostly ne. US and Great Plains
Seasonal Activity
May-Sep (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Grasses (Poaceae), radish ( Raphanus sativus ), Cucurbita foetidissima , lima bean ( Phaseolus lunatus ), Asteraceae ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: cristata = 'crested'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diabrotica cristata. 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 Diabrotica cristata (9)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher | (c) sheilabean, all rights reserved | (c) Carrie Nunez, all rights reserved, uploaded by Carrie Nunez | (c) Shane Windsor, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Shane Windsor | (c) Chuck Sexton, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Chuck Sexton | (c) David Cappaert, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by David Cappaert | (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY) | Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabrotica cristata
What is Diabrotica cristata?
Diabrotica cristata is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Diabrotica cristata?
4.1-4.7 mm
How do you identify Diabrotica cristata?
Pronotum black to orange , or less frequently:
Where is Diabrotica cristata found?
Range: e. NA to AZ (AZ-GA-ON-SK) / Mex. - Map , mostly ne. US and Great Plains
What does Diabrotica cristata eat?
The diet of the Diabrotica cristata includes Grasses (Poaceae), radish ( Raphanus sativus ), Cucurbita foetidissima , lima bean ( Phaseolus lunatus ), Asteraceae ( 6 ).
When is Diabrotica cristata active?
Diabrotica cristata: seasonal activity - May-Sep (BG data).