Red Turnip Beetle
Entomoscelis americana
This record describes Entomoscelis americana (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
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Entomoscelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
MI and CO up to AK - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: occasional pest of canola, rapeseed and mustard in the northern Great Plains ; may also damage other crucifer crops (turnips, cabbage).
Life History
Larvae and adults feed on plants at night.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Entomoscelis americana Brown 1942
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Entomoscelis americana. 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 Red Turnip Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Turnip Beetle
How big is Red Turnip Beetle?
7-10 mm
Where is Red Turnip Beetle found?
Range: MI and CO up to AK - Map
What does Red Turnip Beetle eat?
The diet of the Red Turnip Beetle includes occasional pest of canola, rapeseed and mustard in the northern Great Plains ; may also damage other crucifer crops (turnips, cabbage)..
What is the life cycle of a Red Turnip Beetle?
Larvae and adults feed on plants at night.