Donacia distincta
This record describes Donacia distincta (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Sedges and such emergent vegetation on pond and stream margins. Found in company of any number of other Donacocia species, including some n the D distincta group, as well as the D subtilis group, making it difficult to distinguish.
Geographic Range
transcontinental, north to NF-NT-AK
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Donacia distincta LeConte 1851 So named because in some respects it’s distinctive, but these microsculptural details are pretty microscopic and require super good magnification to see
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Donacia distincta. 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.