Tuber Flea Beetle
Epitrix tuberis
This record describes Epitrix tuberis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
potentially more damaging than E. subcrinita ( 4 )
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: Both larvae and adults are especially well known for their often pestiferous relationship with potatoes - Solanum tuberosum (Solanaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epitrix tuberis Gentner 1944
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epitrix tuberis. 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 Tuber Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by ADeczynski; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuber Flea Beetle
What is Tuber Flea Beetle?
Tuber Flea Beetle (Epitrix tuberis) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Tuber Flea Beetle found?
Range: w NA (CA-NM-SK-BC) - Map
What does Tuber Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Tuber Flea Beetle includes Both larvae and adults are especially well known for their often pestiferous relationship with potatoes - Solanum tuberosum (Solanaceae) ( 3 ).