Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle
Epitrix fasciata
This record describes Epitrix fasciata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Epitrix fasciata, the banded epitrix, is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in the Caribbean, Central America, North America, Oceania, and South America.
Identification notes
shorter, rounder dorsal profile than E. hirtipennis Dets. A. Deczynski
Wikipedia reference for Epitrix fasciata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epitrix fasciata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Epitrix (Nightshade Flea Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
eastern coastal states (NJ‒FL‒c.TX, plus OK, MO) to S.Amer. / W.Indies - Map , other states need confirmation
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Normal hosts are Solanaceae, reported from Datura stramonium, Lycopersicon esculentum, Nicotiana tabacum, Physalis angulata, P. heterophylla, Solanum nigrum ( 4 )
Life History
Considered invasive in the US ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epitrix fasciata Blatchley 1918
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epitrix fasciata. 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 Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Robby Deans, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Robby Deans | (c) Stelios Chatzimanolis, all rights reserved, uploaded by Stelios Chatzimanolis | no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel | Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle
What is Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle?
Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle (Epitrix fasciata) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle?
1.34-1.79 mm
How do you identify Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle?
shorter, rounder dorsal profile than E. hirtipennis Dets. A. Deczynski
Where is Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle found?
Range: eastern coastal states (NJ‒FL‒c.TX, plus OK, MO) to S.Amer. / W.Indies - Map , other states need confirmation
What does Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle includes Normal hosts are Solanaceae, reported from Datura stramonium, Lycopersicon esculentum, Nicotiana tabacum, Physalis angulata, P. heterophylla, Solanum nigrum ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle?
Considered invasive in the US ( 5 )