Disonycha barberi
This record describes Disonycha barberi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013 Differs from the similar D. glabrata in: - larger eyes (frontal width between eyes less than half of heads' width); - dark streak running down front between eyes - last antennal segment pale. Mostly coll'ed via Lindgren funnel traps ( 4 ) The earliest year of collection in Texas is 1939. ( 3 ) Texas considers this a SGCN ( 5 )
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
southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos) / Mexico (Sinaloa) - Map , but see range of host plant
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Oct ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: I have taken this species in the Sabal Palm Grove Preserve on a few occasions, but only once was it abundant. On that date, I took both adults and larvae on from Snake-Eyes ( Phaulothamnus spinescens , Achatocarpaceae) (E. G. Riley, pers. obser.).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Disonycha barberi Blake 1951
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Disonycha barberi. 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 barberi (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Disonycha barberi
What is Disonycha barberi?
Disonycha barberi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Disonycha barberi?
length: 5.3-6.6 mm (Riley & King, 2009)
How do you identify Disonycha barberi?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013 Differs from the similar D. glabrata in: - larger eyes (frontal width between eyes less than half of heads' width); - dark streak running down front between eyes - last antennal segment pale.
Where is Disonycha barberi found?
Range: southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Cos) / Mexico (Sinaloa) - Map , but see range of host plant
What does Disonycha barberi eat?
The diet of the Disonycha barberi includes I have taken this species in the Sabal Palm Grove Preserve on a few occasions, but only once was it abundant. On that date, I took both adults and larvae on from Snake-Eyes ( Phaulothamnus spinescens , Achatocarpaceae) (E. G. Riley, pers. obser.)..
When is Disonycha barberi active?
Disonycha barberi: seasonal activity - Mar-Oct ( 3 ).