Donacia liebecki
This record describes Donacia liebecki (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
It resembles megacornis more than any other of our species but differs from that by more depressed form less, stouter antennal joints, posterior femora moderately clavate with a small acute tooth in both sexes and mesosternal process a little narrower. The males look much like very small females of subtilis , but have shorter antennae, a little more convex and shorter form, reddish legs, narrower and more elongate prothorax and more prominent eyes. If compared with the males of that species the differences are obvious enough. (Schaeffer [1920])
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
e US (SC-ME, MI, KY, AR, TX) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym for Mr. Charles Liebeck, "in recognition of many favors received."
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Donacia liebecki. 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 liebecki (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Donacia liebecki
What is Donacia liebecki?
Donacia liebecki is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Donacia liebecki?
length 7.25 mm (Schaeffer [1920])
How do you identify Donacia liebecki?
It resembles megacornis more than any other of our species but differs from that by more depressed form less, stouter antennal joints, posterior femora moderately clavate with a small acute tooth in both sexes and mesosternal process a little narrower. The males look much like very small females of subtilis , but have shorter antennae, a little more convex and shorter form, reddish legs, narrower and more elongate prothorax and more prominent eyes. If compared with the males of that species the differences are obvious enough. (Schaeffer [1920])
Where is Donacia liebecki found?
Range: e US (SC-ME, MI, KY, AR, TX) - Map