Diabrotica lemniscata
This record describes Diabrotica lemniscata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
colors of the elytra, which are yellow, with a broad common sutural black vitta, and a broad dorsal vitta extending from the base nearly to the tip; or they may be described as black with a narrow dorsal vitta, the lateral and apical margins yellow. Det. M. Brummermann, 2018 Type series: South of the Raton Mountain, and at Fort Union; not rare.
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
AZ to w. TX / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map , mostly w. TX to c. NM
Seasonal Activity
mostly Sept. ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
coll'ed from Buffalo Gourd ( Cucurbita foetidissima , Cucurbitaceae) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Diabrotica lemniscata LeConte 1868
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diabrotica lemniscata. 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 lemniscata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabrotica lemniscata
What is Diabrotica lemniscata?
Diabrotica lemniscata is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Diabrotica lemniscata?
5.5 mm
How do you identify Diabrotica lemniscata?
colors of the elytra, which are yellow, with a broad common sutural black vitta, and a broad dorsal vitta extending from the base nearly to the tip; or they may be described as black with a narrow dorsal vitta, the lateral and apical margins yellow. Det. M. Brummermann, 2018
Where is Diabrotica lemniscata found?
Range: AZ to w. TX / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map , mostly w. TX to c. NM
When is Diabrotica lemniscata active?
Diabrotica lemniscata: seasonal activity - mostly Sept. ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Diabrotica lemniscata?
coll'ed from Buffalo Gourd ( Cucurbita foetidissima , Cucurbitaceae) ( 5 )