Three-spotted Flea Beetle
Disonycha triangularis
This record describes Disonycha triangularis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley, 2012
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 dist., except sw US (NM-FL-QC-BC)
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-Sept (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Chenopodiaceae, Amaranthaceae, plus numerous other families
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Disonycha triangularis. 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 Three-spotted Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Three-spotted Flea Beetle
How big is Three-spotted Flea Beetle?
6 mm (BG data)
How do you identify Three-spotted Flea Beetle?
Det. E. G. Riley, 2012
Where is Three-spotted Flea Beetle found?
Range: widely dist., except sw US (NM-FL-QC-BC)
What does Three-spotted Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Three-spotted Flea Beetle includes Chenopodiaceae, Amaranthaceae, plus numerous other families.
When is Three-spotted Flea Beetle active?
Three-spotted Flea Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-Sept (BG data).