Lema confusa
This record describes Lema confusa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Lema confusa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in the Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America, and South America.
Wikipedia reference for Lema confusa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lema confusa.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Criocerinae
- Tribe
- Lemini
- Genus
- Lema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se. FL / W. Indies / Mex. to S. Amer.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Solanaceae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lema confusa Chevrolat 1835
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lema confusa. 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 Lema confusa (9)
Photo credits: no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel | no rights reserved, uploaded by Frank Thomas Sautter | (c) Anne, all rights reserved | (c) Ty Allen, all rights reserved, uploaded by Ty Allen | (c) Karen Yukich, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Karen Yukich | (c) Matt McCabe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Matt McCabe | (c) Barry Sullender, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Barry Sullender | Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lema confusa
What is Lema confusa?
Lema confusa is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Lema confusa found?
Range: se. FL / W. Indies / Mex. to S. Amer.
What does Lema confusa eat?
The diet of the Lema confusa includes Solanaceae.