Kuschelina vians
This record describes Kuschelina vians (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. tom murray, 2011
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 to NM-CO (NM-FL-ME-CO) - Map , mostly e. US to c. TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: has been bred from the stem of Pennsylvania smartweed ( Polygonum (=Persicaria) pensylvanicum , Polygonaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: vians = 'travelling, journeying'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Kuschelina vians. 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 vians (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Kuschelina vians
How do you identify Kuschelina vians?
Det. tom murray, 2011
Where is Kuschelina vians found?
Range: e US to NM-CO (NM-FL-ME-CO) - Map , mostly e. US to c. TX
What does Kuschelina vians eat?
The diet of the Kuschelina vians includes has been bred from the stem of Pennsylvania smartweed ( Polygonum (=Persicaria) pensylvanicum , Polygonaceae) ( 3 ).