Lema opulenta
This record describes Lema opulenta (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
variable:
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
n. TX to C. Amer. - Map , common along the Balcones Fault of c. TX
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: most common host in so. TX is Texas nightshade ( Solanum triquetrum , Solanaceae) (Ed Riley, pers. comm. 2007) abundant on tomato plants in c. TX ( BG data )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lema opulenta Harold in Gemminger & Harold 1874
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lema opulenta. 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 opulenta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lema opulenta
How do you identify Lema opulenta?
variable:
Where is Lema opulenta found?
Range: n. TX to C. Amer. - Map , common along the Balcones Fault of c. TX
What does Lema opulenta eat?
The diet of the Lema opulenta includes most common host in so. TX is Texas nightshade ( Solanum triquetrum , Solanaceae) (Ed Riley, pers. comm. 2007) abundant on tomato plants in c. TX ( BG data ).
When is Lema opulenta active?
Lema opulenta: seasonal activity - Mar-Oct.