Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle
Microtheca ochroloma
This record describes Microtheca ochroloma (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Microtheca ochroloma, the yellow-margined leaf beetle, is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America and South America.
Wikipedia reference for Microtheca ochroloma: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microtheca_ochroloma.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Microtheca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to S.America, adventive in our area (PA‒FL to OK‒TX; CA)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on Brassicaceae, incl. important crops such as Brassica rapa , watercress and mustard
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Microtheca ochroloma Stål 1860
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Microtheca ochroloma. 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 Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle (6)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) John and Kendra Abbott, all rights reserved, uploaded by John and Kendra Abbott | (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug | (c) Robert May, all rights reserved, uploaded by Robert May | Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , Ron M. , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle
What is Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle?
Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle (Microtheca ochroloma) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle?
~5 mm
Where is Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle found?
Range: native to S.America, adventive in our area (PA‒FL to OK‒TX; CA)
What does Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle eat?
The diet of the Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle includes on Brassicaceae, incl. important crops such as Brassica rapa , watercress and mustard.