Kuschelina barberi
This record describes Kuschelina barberi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Holotype Type Locality: Greeley, Colorado [Weld County]
Identification notes
Holotype
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Kuschelina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CO-MO-WI-AB - Map , concentration of records along the Front Range from at least Colo. Spgs. up to Cheyenne, WY
Diet and Behavior
Diet: snapdragon [likely Antirrhinum or Chaenorrhinum] (Scrophulariaceae) (Blake, 1954). Also, we have seen specimens labeled from Colorado in association with Penstemon (Scrophulariaceae) ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Kuschelina barberi. 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 Kuschelina barberi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Kuschelina barberi
What is Kuschelina barberi?
Kuschelina barberi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Kuschelina barberi?
Holotype
Where is Kuschelina barberi found?
Range: CO-MO-WI-AB - Map , concentration of records along the Front Range from at least Colo. Spgs. up to Cheyenne, WY
What does Kuschelina barberi eat?
The diet of the Kuschelina barberi includes snapdragon [likely Antirrhinum or Chaenorrhinum] (Scrophulariaceae) (Blake, 1954). Also, we have seen specimens labeled from Colorado in association with Penstemon (Scrophulariaceae) ( 3 ).