Spinach Flea Beetle
Disonycha xanthomelas
This record describes Disonycha xanthomelas (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
head, elytra, and legs, except at base, black note black at base of pronotum
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
AZ-FL-PE-NT - Map , (basically everywhere except west coast states and provences)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: most recorded associations [with] plants other than Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, and possibly Caryophyllaceae were probably adventitious ( 4 )
Life History
on the underside of lambsquarters leaves
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Disonycha xanthomelas. 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 Spinach Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Flea Beetle
What is Spinach Flea Beetle?
Spinach Flea Beetle (Disonycha xanthomelas) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Spinach Flea Beetle?
head, elytra, and legs, except at base, black note black at base of pronotum
Where is Spinach Flea Beetle found?
Range: AZ-FL-PE-NT - Map , (basically everywhere except west coast states and provences)
What does Spinach Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Spinach Flea Beetle includes most recorded associations [with] plants other than Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, and possibly Caryophyllaceae were probably adventitious ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Spinach Flea Beetle?
on the underside of lambsquarters leaves