Striped Willow Leaf Beetle
Disonycha alternata
This record describes Disonycha alternata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
D. alternata is closely related to, and resembles two more species, D. latiovittata and D. pluriligata . Both also feed on willow; photo discrimination is problematic. D. latiovittata is exclusively western (BC - CA), while D. pluriligata has two forms/subspecies, and is found east to TN (see under that species)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Disonycha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental (NS-NT-BC to FL-CA) - Map , most records sw US and ne US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: willows ( Salix , Salicaceae) ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Disonycha alternata. 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 Striped Willow Leaf Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Giff Beaton , Hannah Nendick-Mason , Robin McLeod , Hartmut Wisch , Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Striped Willow Leaf Beetle
What is Striped Willow Leaf Beetle?
Striped Willow Leaf Beetle (Disonycha alternata) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Striped Willow Leaf Beetle found?
Range: transcontinental (NS-NT-BC to FL-CA) - Map , most records sw US and ne US
What does Striped Willow Leaf Beetle eat?
The diet of the Striped Willow Leaf Beetle includes hosts: willows ( Salix , Salicaceae) ( 3 ).