Western Potato Flea Beetle
Epitrix subcrinita
This record describes Epitrix subcrinita (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body completely piceous with bronze luster; antebasal impression of pronotum highly reduced; pronotal punctures separated by twice their diameter, small; one row of setae between elytral striae; 11 striae on elytra. Det. A. Deczynski, 2012
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
w. NA (CA-NM-SK-BC) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Normal hosts are a wide var. of Solanaceae , mostly on potato
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epitrix subcrinita. 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 Western Potato Flea Beetle (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by ADeczynski; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Potato Flea Beetle
What is Western Potato Flea Beetle?
Western Potato Flea Beetle (Epitrix subcrinita) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Western Potato Flea Beetle?
length 1.76-2.27 mm
How do you identify Western Potato Flea Beetle?
Body completely piceous with bronze luster; antebasal impression of pronotum highly reduced; pronotal punctures separated by twice their diameter, small; one row of setae between elytral striae; 11 striae on elytra. Det. A. Deczynski, 2012
Where is Western Potato Flea Beetle found?
Range: w. NA (CA-NM-SK-BC) - Map
What does Western Potato Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Western Potato Flea Beetle includes Normal hosts are a wide var. of Solanaceae , mostly on potato.