Galeruca externa
This record describes Galeruca externa (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
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Galeruca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ON to KS-MO-WV
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Phlox divaricata (Polemoniaceae)
Life History
Overwinters as eggs; larvae feed in spring, burrow into soil, and emerge as adults in June.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Galeruca externa (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Galeruca externa. 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 Galeruca externa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Galeruca externa
Where is Galeruca externa found?
Range: ON to KS-MO-WV
What does Galeruca externa eat?
The diet of the Galeruca externa includes host: Phlox divaricata (Polemoniaceae).
What is the life cycle of a Galeruca externa?
Overwinters as eggs; larvae feed in spring, burrow into soil, and emerge as adults in June.