Disonycha latifrons
This record describes Disonycha latifrons (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
D. latifrons is a pretty variable species with large pronotum, ornate with 2-5 dark spots; head dark on occiput only, or black inbetween eyes also (but not continously so). Tibiae are described as usually completely dark. Underside also largely dark in typical specimens. The sutural and sublateral stripe always united at elytral apex (here usually shortly interrupted in D. caroliniana ) Eastern populations tend to be paler overall, with underside largely red . Last reference does not tell about live colours - the red stripes inmidst the white bands are not mentioned. We may assume that pale will mean that the elytral pattern is black & white in such individuals. Type Locality: Fort Defiance, Apache County, AZ
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
widely distributed, except se US The species is found all along the Rockies, otherwise has a rather northern range (S to North Dakota, Illinois, New Jersey) - Map , mostly n. Rocky and n. Plains states
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ Asteraceae: Asteroidae ( Aster , Chrysothamnus , Ericameria , Gutierezia , and Solidago mentioned as hosts, perhaps on more genera)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Disonycha latifrons Schaeffer, 1919
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Disonycha latifrons. 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 latifrons (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Disonycha latifrons
What is Disonycha latifrons?
Disonycha latifrons is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Disonycha latifrons?
D. latifrons is a pretty variable species with large pronotum, ornate with 2-5 dark spots; head dark on occiput only, or black inbetween eyes also (but not continously so). Tibiae are described as usually completely dark. Underside also largely dark in typical specimens. The sutural and sublateral stripe always united at elytral apex (here usually shortly interrupted in D. caroliniana ) Eastern populations tend to be paler overall, with underside largely red . Last reference does not tell about live colours - the red stripes inmidst the white bands are not mentioned. We may assume that pale will mean that the elytral pattern is black & white in such individuals.
Where is Disonycha latifrons found?
Range: widely distributed, except se US The species is found all along the Rockies, otherwise has a rather northern range (S to North Dakota, Illinois, New Jersey) - Map , mostly n. Rocky and n. Plains states
What does Disonycha latifrons eat?
The diet of the Disonycha latifrons includes asso. w/ Asteraceae: Asteroidae ( Aster , Chrysothamnus , Ericameria , Gutierezia , and Solidago mentioned as hosts, perhaps on more genera).