Donacia rugosa
This record describes Donacia rugosa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Coarsely and densely punctate pronotum, forming rugae laterally; strongly rugose elytra; legs entirely reddish pale, though can have darkened subapical areas of femora.
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
mostly MS-FL-ME-ON - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ pickerelweed ( Pontederia , Pontederiaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Donacia rugosa J.L. LeConte 1878 No doubt, named for its strongly rugose elytra and pronotum
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Donacia rugosa. 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 rugosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Ingolf
Frequently Asked Questions About Donacia rugosa
What is Donacia rugosa?
Donacia rugosa is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Donacia rugosa?
6.0-7.5 mm
How do you identify Donacia rugosa?
Coarsely and densely punctate pronotum, forming rugae laterally; strongly rugose elytra; legs entirely reddish pale, though can have darkened subapical areas of femora.
Where is Donacia rugosa found?
Range: mostly MS-FL-ME-ON - Map
What does Donacia rugosa eat?
The diet of the Donacia rugosa includes asso. w/ pickerelweed ( Pontederia , Pontederiaceae).