Air Potato Leaf Beetle
Lilioceris cheni
This record describes Lilioceris cheni (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
first released in FL in 2012 to control air potato
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Criocerinae
- Tribe
- Criocerini
- Genus
- Lilioceris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
narrow Gulf coastal strip, throughout Florida
Geographic Range
Houston to Miami to Charleston, SC - Map , native to se Asia, introduced to Florida
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Air potato ( Dioscorea bulbifera , Dioscoreaceae)
Life History
1. Eggs. 2 and 3. Larvae. 4. Cocoon. 5. Pupa removed from cocoon. 6. Adult
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lilioceris cheni Gressitt & Kimoto 1961
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lilioceris cheni. 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 Air Potato Leaf Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Potato Leaf Beetle
What is Air Potato Leaf Beetle?
Air Potato Leaf Beetle (Lilioceris cheni) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Air Potato Leaf Beetle?
~9 mm
Where is Air Potato Leaf Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | narrow Gulf coastal strip, throughout Florida |
| Range | Houston to Miami to Charleston, SC - Map , native to se Asia, introduced to Florida |
What does Air Potato Leaf Beetle eat?
The diet of the Air Potato Leaf Beetle includes host: Air potato ( Dioscorea bulbifera , Dioscoreaceae).
What is the life cycle of a Air Potato Leaf Beetle?
1. Eggs. 2 and 3. Larvae. 4. Cocoon. 5. Pupa removed from cocoon. 6. Adult