Green Dock Beetle
Gastrophysa cyanea
This record describes Gastrophysa cyanea (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
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Gastrophysa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open areas, agricultural land
Geographic Range
most of NA (NT‒BC‒CA to ON‒FL)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Rumex spp. (Polygonaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gastrophysa cyanea Melsheimer 1847
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gastrophysa cyanea. 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 Green Dock Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , KenW
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Dock Beetle
How big is Green Dock Beetle?
4.0‒5.3 mm
Where is Green Dock Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open areas, agricultural land |
| Range | most of NA (NT‒BC‒CA to ON‒FL) |
What does Green Dock Beetle eat?
The diet of the Green Dock Beetle includes hosts: Rumex spp. (Polygonaceae) ( 3 ).