Texas Potato Beetle
Leptinotarsa texana
This record describes Leptinotarsa texana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Type Locality: Esperaza Ranch, Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
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
TX-OK / Mex. - Map , mostly s.TX; introduced into South Africa
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults and larvae both feed on foliage of the Silver-leaf Nightshade ( Solanum elaeagnifolium ) and other spp. of Solanum . ( 4 )
Life History
See: Jacques (1988) ( 5 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Leptinotarsa texana. 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 Texas Potato Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Potato Beetle
What is Texas Potato Beetle?
Texas Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa texana) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Texas Potato Beetle?
Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Texas Potato Beetle found?
Range: TX-OK / Mex. - Map , mostly s.TX; introduced into South Africa
What does Texas Potato Beetle eat?
The diet of the Texas Potato Beetle includes Adults and larvae both feed on foliage of the Silver-leaf Nightshade ( Solanum elaeagnifolium ) and other spp. of Solanum . ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Texas Potato Beetle?
See: Jacques (1988) ( 5 )