Galerucella sagittariae
This record describes Galerucella sagittariae (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Galerucella sagittariae is orange-brown with a brighter orange border at the base of the elytra and a black scutellum. The pronotal disc is glabrous and shining (only G. sagittariae and G. nymphaeae share this feature). G. nymphaeae is almost identical and they cannot easily be distinguished, though the food plant helps with sagittariae on Water Dock and other emergent plants and nymphaeae on water lilies.. It is often found near to water habitats where it breeds. It is known to feed on the leaves of Strawberries both in the adult and larval stage and can become a pest of this crop. It also feeds on the leaves of various other plant species including Cloudberry. G. sagittariae breeds on Water Dock ( Rumex hydrolapathum ). Widespread and common in England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Galerucella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is often found near to water habitats where it breeds. It is known to feed on the leaves of Strawberries both in the adult and larval stage and can become a pest of this crop. It also feeds on the leaves of various other plant species including Cloudberry.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
G. sagittariae
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Galerucella sagittariae. 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 Galerucella sagittariae (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Galerucella sagittariae
What is Galerucella sagittariae?
Galerucella sagittariae is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Galerucella sagittariae found?
Habitat: It is often found near to water habitats where it breeds. It is known to feed on the leaves of Strawberries both in the adult and larval stage and can become a pest of this crop. It also feeds on the leaves of various other plant species including Cloudberry.
What is the life cycle of a Galerucella sagittariae?
G. sagittariae