Disonycha balsbaughi
This record describes Disonycha balsbaughi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
abbreviated discal vitta (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2014), =center stripe doesn't reach the apex of the elytra
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.TX-LA, AL-TN - Map (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: St. Andrew's cross ( Hypericum hypericoides , Clusiaceae) ( 4 ) , H. frondosum
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Disonycha balsbaughi Blake 1970
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Disonycha balsbaughi. 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 balsbaughi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Disonycha balsbaughi
What is Disonycha balsbaughi?
Disonycha balsbaughi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Disonycha balsbaughi?
5.5-7.0 mm
How do you identify Disonycha balsbaughi?
abbreviated discal vitta (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2014), =center stripe doesn't reach the apex of the elytra
Where is Disonycha balsbaughi found?
Range: e.TX-LA, AL-TN - Map (BG data)
What does Disonycha balsbaughi eat?
The diet of the Disonycha balsbaughi includes St. Andrew's cross ( Hypericum hypericoides , Clusiaceae) ( 4 ) , H. frondosum.