Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus
Longitarsus varicornis
This record describes Longitarsus varicornis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Shining red-brown, each elyron with mid-lateral brown-black cloud. The 3 basal segments of antennae yellow, with joints 2, 3, and 4 successively longer. Anterior and middle legs yellow. Posterior legs and venter red-brown.
Wikipedia reference for Longitarsus varicornis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longitarsus varicornis.
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
se. US (GA-FL to OK-TX) to S. Amer. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: heliotrope ( Heliotropium spp., Boraginaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Longitarsus varicornis Suffrian 1868
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Longitarsus varicornis. 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 Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus (9)
Photo credits: (c) Kerry Carloy, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Kerry Carloy | (c) John Schneider, all rights reserved, uploaded by John Schneider | (c) Robert Webster, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Robert Webster | (c) Russell Pfau, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Russell Pfau | Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus
What is Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus?
Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus (Longitarsus varicornis) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus?
1.9-2.1 mm
How do you identify Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus?
Shining red-brown, each elyron with mid-lateral brown-black cloud. The 3 basal segments of antennae yellow, with joints 2, 3, and 4 successively longer. Anterior and middle legs yellow. Posterior legs and venter red-brown.
Where is Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus found?
Range: se. US (GA-FL to OK-TX) to S. Amer. - Map
What does Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus eat?
The diet of the Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus includes hosts: heliotrope ( Heliotropium spp., Boraginaceae) ( 4 ).