Disonycha pensylvanica
This record describes Disonycha pensylvanica (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The three species of the D. pensylvanica -group are hard to tell apart; in some cases examining male genitalia is the only way. Common features: Head completely, or for the most part, black; pronotum reddish, usually with central dark spot (+ lateral spots casually); elytra always with pure black & white stripe pattern, black stripes wider than white ones. Characters that work in most cases: Disonycha pensylvanica : Where this combination is not complete, especially, if elytral sutural and sublateral black stripes usually shortly interrupted at tip by reddish color, then: Disonycha uniguttata : Disonycha procera :
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
usually near aquatic habitats
Geographic Range
e. NA (TX-FL-QC-SD) to C. Amer. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Normal hosts are Polygonum spp. including smartweed (Polygonaceae) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Disonycha pensylvanica (Illiger 1807)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Disonycha pensylvanica. 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 pensylvanica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Stephen_WV , Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Disonycha pensylvanica
What is Disonycha pensylvanica?
Disonycha pensylvanica is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Disonycha pensylvanica?
5.1-6.5 mm
How do you identify Disonycha pensylvanica?
The three species of the D. pensylvanica -group are hard to tell apart; in some cases examining male genitalia is the only way. Common features: Head completely, or for the most part, black; pronotum reddish, usually with central dark spot (+ lateral spots casually); elytra always with pure black & white stripe pattern, black stripes wider than white ones. Characters that work in most cases: Disonycha pensylvanica : Where this combination is not complete, especially, if elytral sutural and sublateral black stripes usually shortly interrupted at tip by reddish color, then: Disonycha uniguttata : Disonycha procera :
Where is Disonycha pensylvanica found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | usually near aquatic habitats |
| Range | e. NA (TX-FL-QC-SD) to C. Amer. - Map |
What does Disonycha pensylvanica eat?
The diet of the Disonycha pensylvanica includes Normal hosts are Polygonum spp. including smartweed (Polygonaceae) ( 4 ) ( 5 ).