Gastrophysa formosa
This record describes Gastrophysa formosa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gastrophysa formosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Gastrophysa formosa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrophysa formosa.
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
Geographic Range
Rockies, n.Great Plains (AB‒MB to AZ‒NM)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Rumex venosus, R. hymenosepalus , and Rheum rhabarbarum (Polygonaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gastrophysa formosa (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gastrophysa formosa. 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 Gastrophysa formosa (5)
Photo credits: (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley | (c) Eric R. Eaton, all rights reserved, uploaded by Eric R. Eaton | (c) George Pollock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by George Pollock | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastrophysa formosa
What is Gastrophysa formosa?
Gastrophysa formosa is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Gastrophysa formosa found?
Range: Rockies, n.Great Plains (AB‒MB to AZ‒NM)
What does Gastrophysa formosa eat?
The diet of the Gastrophysa formosa includes Rumex venosus, R. hymenosepalus , and Rheum rhabarbarum (Polygonaceae).