Donacia assimilis
This record describes Donacia assimilis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
metallic green, antennae mostly black legs reddish, femora metallic at apex elytra shiny, subtruncate at base; punctures moderately coarse near base, finer near apex hind femur without tooth, markedly clavate
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Donaciinae
- Tribe
- Plateumarini
- Genus
- Donacia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in beach drift
Geographic Range
mostly e. coastal states: TX, AL-FL-NY, plus IL (BG data)
Seasonal Activity
Aug-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ American bur-reed ( Sparganium americanum , Sparganuaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Donacia (Donaciomima) assimilis Lacordaire, 1845
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Donacia assimilis. 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 Donacia assimilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Donacia assimilis
What is Donacia assimilis?
Donacia assimilis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Donacia assimilis?
6.0-7.5 mm
How do you identify Donacia assimilis?
metallic green, antennae mostly black legs reddish, femora metallic at apex elytra shiny, subtruncate at base; punctures moderately coarse near base, finer near apex hind femur without tooth, markedly clavate
Where is Donacia assimilis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in beach drift |
| Range | mostly e. coastal states: TX, AL-FL-NY, plus IL (BG data) |
What does Donacia assimilis eat?
The diet of the Donacia assimilis includes asso. w/ American bur-reed ( Sparganium americanum , Sparganuaceae) ( 3 ).
When is Donacia assimilis active?
Donacia assimilis: seasonal activity - Aug-Oct.