Donacia cuprea
This record describes Donacia cuprea (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Diagnostic character: epipleuron of elytra is convex and wide, often distinctly wider than the elytral interval next it. Pronotum quadrate or wider than long, with super dense punctures; elytra quite rugose; legs generally entirely pale, metafemora with single distinct but small tooth; head often black. This species can look much like D rugosa, but is distinguished by pronotal shape and punctuation, and by the wide convex elytral epipleuron. Species is rare in collections, and rare in online websites
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
Geographic Range
Eastern US and Canada, west to Minnesota and Saskatchewan
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Donacia cuprea Kirby 1837 Kirby named this for the coppery color of about 50% of specimens, but the species is otherwise quite pale
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Donacia cuprea. 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 cuprea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Ingolf
Frequently Asked Questions About Donacia cuprea
What is Donacia cuprea?
Donacia cuprea is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Donacia cuprea?
Diagnostic character: epipleuron of elytra is convex and wide, often distinctly wider than the elytral interval next it. Pronotum quadrate or wider than long, with super dense punctures; elytra quite rugose; legs generally entirely pale, metafemora with single distinct but small tooth; head often black.
Where is Donacia cuprea found?
Range: Eastern US and Canada, west to Minnesota and Saskatchewan