Grape Rootworm
Neofidia lurida
This record describes Neofidia lurida (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Neofidia lurida, the grape rootworm, is a species of leaf beetle. Grape rootworms are found in eastern North America, south to Mexico, and have been recently reported as far north as Quebec. Adults are typically 4.9 to 7.0 mm in length. They are colored mahogany brown, and are covered with white to straw-yellow hairs.
Wikipedia reference for Neofidia lurida: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neofidia lurida.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Adoxini
- Genus
- Neofidia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.US (NY‒ON‒SD to FL‒TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Vitaceae ( 3 ) ; larvae damage the roots ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neofidia lurida (Baly 1863)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Neofidia lurida. 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 Grape Rootworm (7)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY) | (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY) | (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz | Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Graham M , Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Grape Rootworm
What is Grape Rootworm?
Grape Rootworm (Neofidia lurida) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Grape Rootworm?
4.9‒7.0 mm
Where is Grape Rootworm found?
Range: e.US (NY‒ON‒SD to FL‒TX)
What does Grape Rootworm eat?
The diet of the Grape Rootworm includes Hosts: Vitaceae ( 3 ) ; larvae damage the roots ( 4 ).