Exema dispar
This record describes Exema dispar (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
large areas of yellow on the head and anterior pronotum. Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Fulcidacini
- Genus
- Exema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-ME-SD) / Ont. / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , particularly common s. Great Plains
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Ambrosia trifida , Ambrosia psilostachya , Helianthus tuberosus , Helianthus hirsutus , Eupatorium drummondii , Eupatorium maculatum , and Eupatorium alba . Also recorded from Chrysanthemum sp., Silphium , "artichoke", Achillea , Cercis occidentalis , strawberry, Salix sp., Verbesina , Quercus virginiana , Bidens pilosa , and cabbage. ( 5 ) Asteraceae ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Exema dispar Lacordaire 1848
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Exema dispar. 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 Exema dispar (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Exema dispar
What is Exema dispar?
Exema dispar is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Exema dispar?
Length 2.5-2.8 mm
How do you identify Exema dispar?
large areas of yellow on the head and anterior pronotum. Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
Where is Exema dispar found?
Range: e US (TX-FL-ME-SD) / Ont. / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , particularly common s. Great Plains
What does Exema dispar eat?
The diet of the Exema dispar includes Ambrosia trifida , Ambrosia psilostachya , Helianthus tuberosus , Helianthus hirsutus , Eupatorium drummondii , Eupatorium maculatum , and Eupatorium alba . Also recorded from Chrysanthemum sp., Silphium , artichoke, Achillea , Cercis occidentalis , strawberry, Salix sp., Verbesina , Quercus virginiana , Bidens pilosa , and cabbage. ( 5 ) Asteraceae ( 6 ).
When is Exema dispar active?
Exema dispar: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-July.