Bronze Leaf Beetle
Diachus auratus
This record describes Diachus auratus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
See LeConte for key to most spp. the most widely dist. Diachus in NA
Identification notes
See LeConte for key to most spp.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Cryptocephalini
- Genus
- Diachus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to CA, + other scattered w. NA records / Mex. to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , mostly TX & w. coast adventive in Australia, Japan, Hawaii, and various other Pacific Islands
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults found on many unrelated plants, esp. plants in bloom
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: auratus (L). 'golden'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diachus auratus. 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 Bronze Leaf Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronze Leaf Beetle
What is Bronze Leaf Beetle?
Bronze Leaf Beetle (Diachus auratus) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Bronze Leaf Beetle?
See LeConte for key to most spp.
Where is Bronze Leaf Beetle found?
Range: e. NA to CA, + other scattered w. NA records / Mex. to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , mostly TX & w. coast adventive in Australia, Japan, Hawaii, and various other Pacific Islands
What does Bronze Leaf Beetle eat?
The diet of the Bronze Leaf Beetle includes Adults found on many unrelated plants, esp. plants in bloom.