Longitarsus turbatus
This record describes Longitarsus turbatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Oblong oval, not very convex, piceous brown or castaneous, shining, surface with extremely faint bronze lustre. |
| Antennae | Antennae with four basal joints pale, outer joints gradually piceous. |
| Head | Head smooth. |
| Thorax | Thorax nearly one half wider than long, apparently slightly narrowed in front, sides feebly arcuate, slightly obliquely truncate at anterior angles, base arcuate, marginal line wanting. |
| Elytra | Elytra wider at base than the thorax, humeri rounded, umbone moderate, sutural angles well defined, disc moderately convex, the punctuation rather coarse and close, smoother at apex, the punctures vaguely in series. |
| Body | Body beneath as dark as above. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen sparsely punctate. Anterior four legs and posterior tibiae yellowish testaceous, posterior femora brown. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Longitarsus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (c.TX-SC-QC-KS) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Blatchley (1896) recorded this species from Onosmodium carolinianum (Boraginaceae). In previously unpublished investigations in Missouri, we have collected several adults that were feeding on Purslane Speedwell ( Veronica peregrina , Scrophulariaceae). ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Longitarsus turbatus Horn 1889
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Longitarsus turbatus. 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 Longitarsus turbatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Longitarsus turbatus
What is Longitarsus turbatus?
Longitarsus turbatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Longitarsus turbatus?
2.5 mm
How do you identify Longitarsus turbatus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Oblong oval, not very convex, piceous brown or castaneous, shining, surface with extremely faint bronze lustre. |
| Antennae | Antennae with four basal joints pale, outer joints gradually piceous. |
| Head | Head smooth. |
| Thorax | Thorax nearly one half wider than long, apparently slightly narrowed in front, sides feebly arcuate, slightly obliquely truncate at anterior angles, base arcuate, marginal line wanting. |
| Elytra | Elytra wider at base than the thorax, humeri rounded, umbone moderate, sutural angles well defined, disc moderately convex, the punctuation rather coarse and close, smoother at apex, the punctures vaguely in series. |
| Body | Body beneath as dark as above. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen sparsely punctate. Anterior four legs and posterior tibiae yellowish testaceous, posterior femora brown. |
Where is Longitarsus turbatus found?
Range: e. NA (c.TX-SC-QC-KS) - Map
What does Longitarsus turbatus eat?
The diet of the Longitarsus turbatus includes Blatchley (1896) recorded this species from Onosmodium carolinianum (Boraginaceae). In previously unpublished investigations in Missouri, we have collected several adults that were feeding on Purslane Speedwell ( Veronica peregrina , Scrophulariaceae). ( 5 ).