Kuschelina laeta
This record describes Kuschelina laeta (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013 White apical spots often connected to pale lines within each elytron: Type Locality: Texas
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
n.TX to C. Amer., rarely: LA, AL, GA - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , very common in Brownsville, TX ( 6 )
Seasonal Activity
Jan-Nov ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host is frogfruit, Phyla spp., most likely primarily Texas Frogfruit ( Phyla nodiflora , Verbenaceae) given the beetle's range. Photo support of asso. w/ Phyla , and here , and here ( 7 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: laeta (L). 'gay, pleasing'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Kuschelina laeta. 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 laeta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Kuschelina laeta
What is Kuschelina laeta?
Kuschelina laeta is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Kuschelina laeta?
5-6 mm
How do you identify Kuschelina laeta?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013 White apical spots often connected to pale lines within each elytron:
Where is Kuschelina laeta found?
Range: n.TX to C. Amer., rarely: LA, AL, GA - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , very common in Brownsville, TX ( 6 )
What does Kuschelina laeta eat?
The diet of the Kuschelina laeta includes host is frogfruit, Phyla spp., most likely primarily Texas Frogfruit ( Phyla nodiflora , Verbenaceae) given the beetle's range. Photo support of asso. w/ Phyla , and here , and here ( 7 ).
When is Kuschelina laeta active?
Kuschelina laeta: seasonal activity - Jan-Nov ( 5 ).