Disonycha arizonae
This record describes Disonycha arizonae (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotal spots, plus lateral red stripes much paler than dorsal red stripes Det. E. G. Riley, 2013 Disonycha species can eventually be found on their breeding host, but for arizonae , I have never found it in series or with larvae, despite the fact that it is a wide-ranging species. Most collecting events for the species generate one specimen at a time – like yours. (E.G. Riley, pers. comm., 2013 to MAQ)
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
e. NA to AZ (AZ-FL-ON-MB) / Mex. - Map , most records up through c. TX
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Nov ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reported from various unrelated plant families ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Disonycha arizonae Casey 1884
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Disonycha arizonae. 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 Disonycha arizonae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Disonycha arizonae
What is Disonycha arizonae?
Disonycha arizonae is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Disonycha arizonae?
pronotal spots, plus lateral red stripes much paler than dorsal red stripes Det. E. G. Riley, 2013
Where is Disonycha arizonae found?
Range: e. NA to AZ (AZ-FL-ON-MB) / Mex. - Map , most records up through c. TX
What does Disonycha arizonae eat?
The diet of the Disonycha arizonae includes Reported from various unrelated plant families ( 5 ).
When is Disonycha arizonae active?
Disonycha arizonae: seasonal activity - Mar-Nov ( 4 ).