Leptinotarsa defecta
This record describes Leptinotarsa defecta (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Syntype from Texas in the British Museum reportedly coll’ed in Runnels Co., TX, but that county was only created the year prior to the species’ description. ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Leptinotarsa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southwest TX border counties (Zapata, Starr, and Hidalgo Co.) / ne. Mex. - Map , plus 2 historical records in Travis & Brazos counties. common in Monterrey, N.L., Mex.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Apparently, silverleaf nightshade ( Solanum elaeagnifolium , Solanaceae) is the normal host ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: satansbos = "Satan's bush" = Silverleaf nightshade
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Leptinotarsa defecta. 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 Leptinotarsa defecta (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Leptinotarsa defecta
What is Leptinotarsa defecta?
Leptinotarsa defecta is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Leptinotarsa defecta found?
Range: southwest TX border counties (Zapata, Starr, and Hidalgo Co.) / ne. Mex. - Map , plus 2 historical records in Travis & Brazos counties. common in Monterrey, N.L., Mex.
What does Leptinotarsa defecta eat?
The diet of the Leptinotarsa defecta includes Apparently, silverleaf nightshade ( Solanum elaeagnifolium , Solanaceae) is the normal host ( 4 ).