Kuschelina petaurista
This record describes Kuschelina petaurista (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Bechyné, 1958 (Entom. Arb. Frey 9): 686, footnote: Transfer to genus Alagoasa proposed (number and position of setae on labrum)
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
e US (s.TX-FL-NJ-KS) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reported from a wide variety of unrelated plant families ( 4 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Kuschelina petaurista. 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 petaurista (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Kuschelina petaurista
What is Kuschelina petaurista?
Kuschelina petaurista is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Kuschelina petaurista?
7.5 - 8 mm
Where is Kuschelina petaurista found?
Range: e US (s.TX-FL-NJ-KS) - Map
What does Kuschelina petaurista eat?
The diet of the Kuschelina petaurista includes Reported from a wide variety of unrelated plant families ( 4 ).