Lema trabeata
This record describes Lema trabeata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. John R. Watts, 2008
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
s US: AZ, TX to FL (AZ, TX, MS, FL) / Mex. to C. Amer. ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
May-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: mostly ground cherries ( Physalis ) and Datura . … John R. Watts, 2 July, 2008
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lema trabeata Lacordaire, 1845
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lema trabeata. 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 trabeata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Lema trabeata
How big is Lema trabeata?
5.2-6.7 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Lema trabeata?
Det. John R. Watts, 2008
Where is Lema trabeata found?
Range: s US: AZ, TX to FL (AZ, TX, MS, FL) / Mex. to C. Amer. ( 4 )
What does Lema trabeata eat?
The diet of the Lema trabeata includes mostly ground cherries ( Physalis ) and Datura . … John R. Watts, 2 July, 2008.
When is Lema trabeata active?
Lema trabeata: seasonal activity - May-Oct (BG data).