Kuschelina gibbitarsa
This record describes Kuschelina gibbitarsa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
larger black thoracic spots and shinier elytra than K. thoracica Det. M. A. Quinn, 2018
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
Habitat
Host plants predominantly found in wet areas
Geographic Range
e US (NY-FL to ND-TX) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , common but mostly abscent from the Gulf and s. Atlantic coastal plains
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: mint spp. ( Mentha ), and germander spp. ( Teucrium canadense , Teucrium cubense , Lamiaceae) ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Kuschelina gibbitarsa (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Kuschelina gibbitarsa. 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 gibbitarsa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Kuschelina gibbitarsa
What is Kuschelina gibbitarsa?
Kuschelina gibbitarsa is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Kuschelina gibbitarsa?
5.4-6.3 mm
How do you identify Kuschelina gibbitarsa?
larger black thoracic spots and shinier elytra than K. thoracica Det. M. A. Quinn, 2018
Where is Kuschelina gibbitarsa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Host plants predominantly found in wet areas |
| Range | e US (NY-FL to ND-TX) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , common but mostly abscent from the Gulf and s. Atlantic coastal plains |
What does Kuschelina gibbitarsa eat?
The diet of the Kuschelina gibbitarsa includes hosts: mint spp. ( Mentha ), and germander spp. ( Teucrium canadense , Teucrium cubense , Lamiaceae) ( 6 ).