Passionflower Flea Beetle
Disonycha discoidea
This record describes Disonycha discoidea (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Fairly large, elytra orange-red with large, common black spot , or with suture and discal black stripe (var. abbreviata ) Larvae and adults freq. found on Passionflower ( Passiflora ). , , discoidea abbreviata Second similar, probably undescribed, species reported by Riley et al. to feed on Euonymus atropurpureus (Celastraceae), but rejected Passiflora in captive feeding tests. (On the other hand, P. lutea feeding sp. refused to eat E. atropurpureus .) E. atropurpureus feeding species has more extensive black , such as in this individual:
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
Habitat
Fields, gardens, etc. with host plant
Geographic Range
se US to CO (TX-FL-RI-CO) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Mostly: May-July (Apr-Sept) (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feeds on Passiflora spp, including Maypop, Passiflora incarnata and Yellow Passionflower, Passiflora lutea ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: discoidea (G). 'disk-shaped' diskos . This perhaps refers to the rounded spot on the dorsal surface.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Disonycha discoidea. 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 Passionflower Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Passionflower Flea Beetle
What is Passionflower Flea Beetle?
Passionflower Flea Beetle (Disonycha discoidea) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Passionflower Flea Beetle?
7-9 mm
How do you identify Passionflower Flea Beetle?
Fairly large, elytra orange-red with large, common black spot , or with suture and discal black stripe (var. abbreviata ) Larvae and adults freq. found on Passionflower ( Passiflora ). , , discoidea abbreviata
Where is Passionflower Flea Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Fields, gardens, etc. with host plant |
| Range | se US to CO (TX-FL-RI-CO) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) |
What does Passionflower Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Passionflower Flea Beetle includes Feeds on Passiflora spp, including Maypop, Passiflora incarnata and Yellow Passionflower, Passiflora lutea ( 5 ).
When is Passionflower Flea Beetle active?
Passionflower Flea Beetle: seasonal activity - Mostly: May-July (Apr-Sept) (BG data).