Dibolia borealis
This record describes Dibolia borealis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | key couplets: Apices of elytra rounded, (not sinuous at apex). |
| Antennae | Antennae red-testaceous or red-brown. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum not reddish. Form more oblong; elytra with spaces between striae with very few punctures ( 3 ) Description: Oblong oval, convex, shining; bronze except antennae, pro- and mesothoraxic legs, and posterior femora red-testaceous ( 3 ) Det. M. A. Quinn, 2011 |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Dibolia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to AB (TX-FL-NB-AB) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 ) , the most widely dist. sp. and the only sp. on Riley's (Brazos Co., TX) ( 6 ) and Stephan's (Latimer Co., OK) ( 5 ) lists
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Mar-July (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: plantain ( Plantago spp., Plantaginaceae) ( 8 )
Life History
Larvae are leaf miners of plantains. ( 8 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dibolia borealis Chevrolat, 1834
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dibolia borealis. 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 Dibolia borealis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Dibolia borealis
What is Dibolia borealis?
Dibolia borealis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dibolia borealis?
total length 3.0 mm, greatest width 1.6 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Dibolia borealis?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | key couplets: Apices of elytra rounded, (not sinuous at apex). |
| Antennae | Antennae red-testaceous or red-brown. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum not reddish. Form more oblong; elytra with spaces between striae with very few punctures ( 3 ) Description: Oblong oval, convex, shining; bronze except antennae, pro- and mesothoraxic legs, and posterior femora red-testaceous ( 3 ) Det. M. A. Quinn, 2011 |
Where is Dibolia borealis found?
Range: e. NA to AB (TX-FL-NB-AB) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 ) , the most widely dist. sp. and the only sp. on Riley's (Brazos Co., TX) ( 6 ) and Stephan's (Latimer Co., OK) ( 5 ) lists
What does Dibolia borealis eat?
The diet of the Dibolia borealis includes plantain ( Plantago spp., Plantaginaceae) ( 8 ).
When is Dibolia borealis active?
Dibolia borealis: seasonal activity - mostly: Mar-July (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Dibolia borealis?
Larvae are leaf miners of plantains. ( 8 )