Lema conjuncta
This record describes Lema conjuncta (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Each elytron mostly black with narrow lateral margin orange or yellow, also with basal light marking covering 3 intervals and extending 1/8 to nearly 1/2 length of elytron. Pronotum sometimes with 2 black spots.
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 US, AZ (TX-FL-SC-MO, AZ) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ Solanum carolinense and Physalis heterophylla (Solanaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lema conjuncta Lacordaire 1845
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lema conjuncta. 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 conjuncta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lema conjuncta
What is Lema conjuncta?
Lema conjuncta is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lema conjuncta?
5.8-7.4 mm
How do you identify Lema conjuncta?
Each elytron mostly black with narrow lateral margin orange or yellow, also with basal light marking covering 3 intervals and extending 1/8 to nearly 1/2 length of elytron. Pronotum sometimes with 2 black spots.
Where is Lema conjuncta found?
Range: se US, AZ (TX-FL-SC-MO, AZ) - Map
What does Lema conjuncta eat?
The diet of the Lema conjuncta includes asso. w/ Solanum carolinense and Physalis heterophylla (Solanaceae) ( 4 ).