Pale-legged flea beetle
Lysathia ludoviciana
This record describes Lysathia ludoviciana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
note pale legs (Fall, 1910) Det. E.G. Riley, 2009 Type Locality: Morgan City, LA
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Lysathia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US (OK-TX-FL-NC) / Mex. / W. Indies - Map , mostly TX-LA & FL-SC
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on leaves of floating primrose-willow ( Ludwigia peploides , Onagraceae), also on parrot feather watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum aquaticum , Haloragaceae), and crapemyrtle ( Lagerstroemia indica , Lythraceae) adults also on Oenothera (Onagraceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: ludovicianan (NL). 'of Louisiana'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lysathia ludoviciana. 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 Pale-legged flea beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pale-legged flea beetle
What is Pale-legged flea beetle?
Pale-legged flea beetle (Lysathia ludoviciana) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pale-legged flea beetle?
4.3 mm (Fall, 1910)
How do you identify Pale-legged flea beetle?
note pale legs (Fall, 1910) Det. E.G. Riley, 2009
Where is Pale-legged flea beetle found?
Range: se US (OK-TX-FL-NC) / Mex. / W. Indies - Map , mostly TX-LA & FL-SC
What does Pale-legged flea beetle eat?
The diet of the Pale-legged flea beetle includes larvae feed on leaves of floating primrose-willow ( Ludwigia peploides , Onagraceae), also on parrot feather watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum aquaticum , Haloragaceae), and crapemyrtle ( Lagerstroemia indica , Lythraceae) adults also on Oenothera (Onagraceae) ( 3 ).